Union Assurance-NSBM MoU enhances higher education in Sri Lanka

From left: Department of Economics and Decision Sciences Lecturer Sunari Bandara, Department of Economics and Decision Sciences Lecturer Tharushi Piyumali, Department of Economics and Decision Sciences Head of Student Affairs/Senior Lecturer Kasun Dissanayake, Department of Economics and Decision Sciences Head/Senior Lecturer Shashini Gayanika, NSBM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chaminda Rathnayake, NSBM Vice-Chancellor Prof. E.A. Weerasinghe, Chief People Officer Imtiyaz Aniff, Manager Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement Dahami Pathirana, Assistant Manager Employer Branding and Talent Acquisition Uththara Kapugamage, Senior Executive Talent Acquisition Chathuranga Sampath, and NSBM Manager – Career Guidance Mohamed Rushdi Hadhi 

In a farsighted move to boost the job prospects of students and hone their skills for a successful career, the pioneering life insurer Union Assurance has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the reputed higher education provider NSBM Green University. The agreement will generate synergies that will benefit Sri Lanka’s youth, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to succeed in the future.      

The MoU was signed on 25 May by NSBM Vice-Chancellor Prof. E.A. Weerasinghe and Union Assurance Chief People Officer Imtiyaz Aniff. It covers a range of collaborative activities that will benefit students by merging their academic knowledge with corporate expertise. This initiative is in line with the pledge by Union Assurance to empower the Sri Lankan dream.   

Union Assurance Chief People Officer Imtiyaz Aniff described the agreement as a milestone in boosting the career prospects of youth. He said the company will share its corporate expertise to enhance NSBM’s educational experience. “We are confident that this will make students job-ready, and open up great employment opportunities for them,” he added.      

According to Aniff, the multi-skilled team at Union Assurance has much to offer NSBM. He noted that the students, as well as faculty members, will gain from the company’s unique insights as an industry leader. “We will contribute to the growth of NSBM with industry inputs into curriculum development of its degree programs, ensuring the career success of students,” he emphasised.      

Union Assurance is heavily invested in the future of Sri Lanka’s young generation. The company will share its resources and knowledge to ensure students get the best for their career development.      

NSBM Vice-Chancellor Prof. E.A. Weerasinghe noted that the MoU will open new avenues for future employment. He said the synergy generated by such links between educational institutions and industry players enhances the practical aspects of academic programs, making them more job-relevant.    

According to Prof. Weerasinghe, the agreement paves the way for students to work as interns and trainees, while top performers may be offered career opportunities. “They will thereby be able to gain valuable practical experience,” he stated.   

The MoU is a milestone in the collaboration between industry and academia. Union Assurance is one of the leading life insurers in the country and part of the renowned conglomerate, the John Keells Group. NSBM Green University is renowned for its academic excellence, including world-class facilities, an eminent panel of lecturers, and a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, computing, engineering, and science.