Mobitel launches five new projects with University of Colombo

Saturday, 13 October 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Mobile Service Provider, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel recently announced the launch of several new initiatives with the University of Colombo. The new projects will not only further strengthen the long-standing relationship Mobitel has with the University, but also becomes part of its efforts to build an ICT-enhanced knowledge economy.

Commenting on the partnership, Mobitel’s CEO Lalith De Silva stated: “Our objective has always been to connect the unconnected. Having achieved that with the University of Colombo through previous projects, we wanted to do something more - rendering an even bigger service to the nation, and further increasing our commitment to empowering today’s youth. Positioned as a brand that ‘Cares. Always.’ – these initiatives further reiterate Mobitel’s commitment towards building a tech-savvy and knowledge-rich society. The five initiatives we are launching today are all based on one principle: uplifting the higher education sector in Sri Lanka.”

Mobitel will work alongside the University of Colombo, to develop its own Project Management programme – which will be subsequently added to the University’s curriculum. The programme will also be made available via Mobitel’s mLearning platform, which was initially launched together with the University of Colombo. The mLearning platform acts as a catalyst which fosters a knowledge economy - overcoming traditional classroom methods.

An internship programme will also be launched between Mobitel and the University of Colombo. This initiative will give students a chance to further their studies and career, with crucial ‘on-the-job’ training being provided. These internships will ensure that University students who require an internship on their resume in order to graduate, will not only have a chance to fulfil that requirement, but will also be given an opportunity to make a name for themselves within the company - leading to job opportunities further down the line.

All research work, carried out by Mobitel, will also be outsourced to students from the University of Colombo as and when applicable. The National Mobile Service Provider will also facilitate the set-up of a research laboratory for the University’s Science Faculty.

Finally, to show its support towards the academics of Sri Lanka, Mobitel intends on setting up an Annual Peace Award. This project will consist of an award, which will be given to a member of the Academic staff at the University of Colombo – responsible for maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment within the University premises. Mobitel feels that furthering this initiative will be an ideal way to encourage academics to set an example for the youth in order to maintain peace and harmony among the undergraduates of the university to carry out their academic and co-curriculum activities uninterrupted.

“Mobitel has taken a keen interest towards working with us on several new initiatives. These projects have all been carefully selected to target several areas with regards to the University. The implementation of these projects will help us to strengthen our offering to our students, giving them more opportunities with regards to their higher education,” said Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo.