Programmes Conducted by the Career Guidance Unit

An awareness program on Fulbright scholarships facilitated by the United States – Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission.

Career Guidance Unit of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka conducted an awareness programme regarding the full bright awards and offering education USA advising services to our undergraduates with the collaboration of the United States – Sri Lanka Fullbright Commission (US_SLFC) on 24^th of January 2024 from 9.30am to 11.30am at the main auditorium of the University.

Professor Patrick Mcnamara , Executive Director and Ms.Sabitha Geroge, student advisor and special projects assistant at US_SLFC attended to share insights about the program.

Further, this programme delivered informational sessions not only regarding the “Fullbright scholarships” but also covering various aspects such as U.S. university admission requirements, University/ college selection, application procedures, and details on standardized tests (SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT/TOEFL) and scholarship opportunities. Students had an interactive session with the guest speakers and it proved to be a significant opportunity for them to get essential information for pursuing their higher education in the United States.

Soft Skills Workshops presented by John Keells Foundation

The soft skills workshop, organized jointly by the John Keels Foundation, which is one of the Sri Lanka’s esteemed institutions dedicated to enhancing the employability of undergraduates in the country and the university’s career guidance unit, has been concluded with success. The workshop took place on December 19, 2023, in the main auditorium of the university, commencing at 8:30 am and concluding at 5:00 pm. Over 300 undergraduates actively took part in the event.

The workshop commenced with a brief inaugural ceremony. Initially, the opening remarks were made by the head of CSR, John Keells Holdings PLC. Subsequently, Prof. Wasantha Rathnayake the vice-chancellor of the Ocean University delivered remarks to the gathering. The key note speech were presented by Mr.Upul Jinadasa, Chief Operating Officer of South Asian Gateway Terminal.

The workshop comprised of one panel discussion involving senior management drawn largely from the private sector. They provided valuable perspectives on employment prospects, the relevance of professional qualifications, and the challenges involved, identify qualities for enhancement, and discover strategies for transitioning careers or changing workplaces. The panel discussion moderated by the Dinesh Kenady, Head of Commercial, John Keells Logistics Limited. The panel included Mr. Jehan Rodrigo, Head of Commercial Lanka Marine Services (PVT) Ltd, Ms. Sujani Kumarasinghe, Head of Customer Experience A P Moller Maersk Sri Lanka, and Mr. Vimukthi Weeratunga, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist, Consultant Cinnamon Trials, each providing insights into their journeys.

The interactive workshops conducted by professional trainers covering a wide range of aspects such as employer expectations, leadership and team building, CV writing and interview facing, developing confidence and personality, working in a corporate environment, corporate hospitality (including social etiquette) and personal grooming.

The workshop on “Personal Grooming and Social Etiquette” was facilitated by Ms. Anuki Keenawinna, Assistant Manager in Brand Marketing at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts.

The session on “Personality Development and Confidence Building” was conducted by Ms.Sriyangani Dhanapala, Director, Brand Development Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts.

The session on “CV Writing and Interview Skills” was conducted by Mr. Shashi Ratnayake, Head of Learning & Development, Jaykay Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd.

The participants were actively participating in the sessions and they successfully addressed their concerns and enhanced their understanding of ways to enhance soft skills. The Soft skills workshop paved the way for personal growth, enhanced job performance, and increased success in both professional and social interactions of the participants. Moreover, every participant was awarded a certificate from the John Keels Foundation for their participation.

Photo Credit by John Keels

Awarding Certificates to First Aid Program Attendees

Career Guidance Unit of the University conducted the First Aid Step by Step program to raise awareness of life-saving skills among undergraduates. The certificates have been distributed among the participants and the Vice-Chancellor made it official by conferring certificates upon a few undergraduates from different departments.

First Aid Step-By-Step

We are excited to share the news of the successful completion of the First Aid Program for undergraduates on September 15, 2023, at the Ocean University premises. The program was meticulously organized and executed by the dedicated team at the Career Guidance Unit. This program aimed to equip our undergraduate students with essential life-saving skills, and we are proud to report that it has achieved its objectives with great success. The participants learned how to respond effectively in various emergency situations and to assess each situation carefully, seeking professional medical help when needed. Their unwavering commitment and active participation have had a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our campus community.

Over a hundred undergraduates from the Departments of Marine Engineering, Department of Coastal and Marine Resources Management ,Department of Oceanography and Department of Aquaculture and Seafood Technology were enthusiastically took part in embracing knowledge. Mr. Nirmal Abeywickrama, Assistant Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Service in Sri Lanka with over 40 years of experience in the field of first aid, conducted the event.

Photo Credits: Ocean Hertz

Navigating Futures: Unveiling the Career Guidance Unit’s website

In an exciting stride towards enhancing student success and empowering career growth, the Ocean University of Sri Lanka proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking of Career Guidance Unit website. This digital milestone not only signifies the unit’s commitment to fostering students’ career aspirations but also opens new avenues for guidance and exploration.

The inaugural ceremony of official web launching event of the “Career Guidance Unit” was held on 29th on Tuesday, August 2023 at the boardroom of Ocean University of Sri Lanka. The Official website inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of Ocean University. The Deans, the Registrar, Director/Finance, assistant registrars, heads of the departments, senior lecturers and lecturers too participated to grace this occasion.

With the launch of the Career Guidance Unit website, a new chapter in the exploration of career possibilities begins. As we move forward, this URL will undoubtedly continue to illuminate careers and pave the way for bright futures.

Effective Presentation and Public Speaking Skills

The first skill development programme for improving the presentation skills organized by the Career Guidance Unit at the University premises on 29th of August 2023 was executed effectively. The event marked a significant milestone in the newly established Career Guidance Units’ perspective to nurturing skills among its student community. The final year students of the Department of Marine Engineering, Department of Coastal and Marine Resources Management and the Department of Oceanography actively participated with this program aimed at refining their presentation and public speaking abilities

The program was structured to recognize students’ presentation deficiencies, enhance presentation excellence, and achieve the proficiency in delivering presentations perfectly. The participants were able to enrich their awareness of easing nervousness, honing attributes, and advancing public speaking proficiency. Dr. Bihimini Abeywickrama, a distinguished faculty member of the Department of English Language Teaching at the University of Colombo, a renowned mentor with an impact spanning both the private and public sectors, was conducted this event.

Address :

Career Guidance Unit

Ocean University of Sri Lanka

51, Sri Pannananda mw, Mattakkuliya,

Colombo 15.

Phone :

+94 117 112130

Email :

cgu@ocu.ac.lk