John Keells takes popular soft skills workshops to University of Peradeniya

“I realised that getting a first class degree is not the only consideration employers look for, but also all sorts of skills, especially soft skills,” said P.S.M. Peiris, a third year agriculture student at the University of Peradeniya, after participating in the soft skills workshops conducted recently by John Keells Foundation, in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University.

Conducted for the seventh successive time in a Sri Lankan university, the main objective of this program – branded ‘The Final Step’ – is to enhance the employability of local graduates by providing them a realistic perspective of employment opportunities in Sri Lanka and preparing them for the demands of the private sector, as the country’s primary employer.

It covers a wide range of topics including ‘employer expectations’, ‘team building and leadership skills’, ‘adapting to the corporate environment’, ‘personality development and confidence building’, ‘personal grooming’ and ‘corporate hospitality’.

“University undergraduates represent the wealth of knowledge, talent and potential that will take Sri Lanka forward to reach new heights,” said Nadija Tambiah, Head of CSR, John Keells Holdings PLC, addressing the participants on the opening day.

“The Final Step has been designed to help groom you for the workplace by improving youradaptability to the work environment, enhancing your leadership and communication skills, personality and self-confidence, that would not only help you find and succeed at a job of your choice but will serve you throughout life.”

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Atula Senaratne, Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya, noted the importance of CSR initiatives such as these and the vitality of graduates honing skills necessary to ‘market’ themselves better as they step into employment.

Prof. Shantha K. Hennayake, Deputy Vice Chancellor, outlined the commendable ranking of the University of Peradeniya in the past and said, “We need to improve this university and the quality of its students to reach the former levels of academic excellence. We are thankful for large corporations like John Keells that give us an opportunity to do this.”

The workshops on ‘employer expectations’ and ‘team building and leadership skills’ were conducted in the form of panel discussions, involving senior management personnel representing diverse backgrounds and years of experience, particularly in the private sector.

The panel comprised Ramesh Shanmuganathan, Chief Information Officer, John Keells Holdings PLC, Dr. Harsha Alles, Director, Gateway Group, Ishara Naufal, Head of HR – Sri Lankan & Maldivian Resorts, John Keells Group, Sandya Salgado, Senior External Affairs Officer of the World Bank, Dileep Mudadeniya, Head of Brand Marketing – Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, and Ranel Wijesinha, Independent International Consultant as the chair/moderator of the panel.

For many students, it was a useful exposure to the private sector. “It totally changed my perspective and opinion about the private sector,” said Fathima Murshida, a fourth year arts student. “I’m looking forward to more workshops like this.”

Three days of interactive workshops conducted by professional trainers followed, with participants being guided on how to draft an effective CV, successfully face an interview, win the job and adapt to the work environment, practical tips on developing personality and confidence, as well as improving personal hygiene, grooming and social etiquette.

Each day’s workshop attracted over 400 undergraduates from various faculties. Afterwards, they thanked the presenters and the organising committee for giving them such an opportunity. K.D.R. Nayanamali, a second year student of the Faculty of Agriculture, said, “I am grateful for the attention you have given to the students of rural areas of Sri Lanka. Because I am also from a rural area, I can say that most people don’t have the general knowledge that is given through programs like these, as well as the importance of programs such as these.”

“We are delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response to The Final Step by the students and administration of the University of Peradeniya, which is similar to the response it has received at all the other universities including Kelaniya, Moratuwa and Sri Jayewardenepura,” said Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of Operations, John Keells Foundation.

“We are looking forward to extending this initiative to other universities of the country with the support of the University Grants Commission and the respective universities.”