CCC strengthens private sector, academia partnership
The Human Resource and Education Steering Committee of the Ceylon
Chamber of Commerce (CCC) organised a workshop 'Forging partnerships
with Universities in the Commercial arena' recently at the CCC
auditorium. The workshop was conducted to encourage greater
collaboration between the academia and the private sector.
The Universities of Moratuwa, Colombo and Peradeniya showcased some
of the work they have done for the private sector.
The University of Moratuwa, Faculty of Engineering showcased projects
carried out for Dialog Axiata PLC on i-Moni, remote alarm monitoring
system. Prof. Dileeka Dias of the University with Ratna Prasad from
Dialog Axiata made the presentation.
Dr. Shantha Walpolage of the University made a presentation on
another project done the for DSI Samson Group on development of the
University of Moratuwa - SIL Incubator.
A work study was conducted at soft drinks and ice cream production
plants and logistics department of Ceylon Cold Stores. Nilantha
Jayasinghe of CCS and Dr. Himan Punchihewa of the University made the
presentation.
The members of the Faculty of Science of the University of Colombo
gave details of the projects they have undertaken for Darley Butler Co.
Ltd and E B Creasy Co. PLC on development of natural, non toxic,
biodegradable toilet bowl cleaner which is due to be launched soon.
They also discussed work done for Ceylon Cold Sores on development on
natural food colour, and a project on value addition to graphite for
Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Ltd. and a research project on water quality
for Dilmah Tea. Prof. Thusitha Abeytunga of the faculty made the
presentation.
The Management and the Finance Faculty of the University of Colombo
showcased two projects; a salary survey and restructuring plan and
analysis for a public quoted company and another project for a
pioneering public bank on a management development program. Dr. Arosha
Adikaram of the faculty made the presentation.
Prof. Buddhi Marambe of the University of Peradeniya, Faculty of
Agriculture presented a project on bio fertiliser formulation, Phosphate
solubilising bacteria mixture, production of rice bread using up to 50
percent rice flour and solar powered milking machine.
The workshop comprised representatives from all local universities
including most Vice Chancellors and Deans of all the Faculties. Key
persons from a range of industries in the private sector such as
manufacturing and IT were present.
Key persons of the private sector said that this initiative helps the
talented youth of this country contribute to business and involve
themselves in real life working scenarios, giving them hands on
experience.
Academics said that the workshop that brought together a cross
section of academia with the private sector, was the missing link that
would make graduates join the private sector and put their learning and
education into practice to benefit the country.
A spokesman for the Chamber said that the it will continue to foster
the relationship it has developed over the years with the universities
and education policy makers and partner them in making university
programs relevant and world-class.
The Ceylon Chamber Economic Summit 2013, to be held in July this
year, will dedicate one session to make collaboration between the
private and the public sector a reality.
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