In a milestone event held at Shangri-La Colombo, BIMT Campus proudly launched its first magazine titled “From Campus to Corporate Leadership”, marking a new chapter in its mission to shape future leaders for Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape.
The magazine aims to guide students in their transition from academic life to professional careers by sharing valuable insights into job readiness, career development, leadership, and current industry trends. It also serves as a platform to showcase student talent and bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world corporate expectations.
The event was graced by Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman of Union Bank of Colombo PLC, who served as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Mr. Weerakkody emphasized the pressing need for educational institutions to align their teaching with evolving industry demands. He offered guidance to both students and educators, stressing the importance of producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, innovative, and ethically grounded. He also appreciated the initiative taken by BIMT Campus, recognizing it as a valuable contribution to building a stronger link between academia and industry.
Mr. Hemakumara Gunasekara, Chairman of the Board of Governance of BIMT Campus, spoke passionately about the collective responsibility of nurturing corporate leadership. “The country needs more corporate leaders, and we cannot do it alone,” he said. “It requires collaboration with established corporates, and we are prepared to work together in a collective and inclusive manner.”
Echoing this vision, Mr. Farshath Jamal, CEO of BIMT Campus, stated, “We want our students to be more than just job seekers. We want them to be future leaders who can think big, solve problems, work well with others, and bring positive change to their companies and the country.”
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the theme: “The Importance of Corporate Leadership for National Development.” The discussion was skillfully moderated by Mr. Tharindu Amarasekara and featured an esteemed panel including:
- Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Senior Professor of Management at the PIM.
- Mr. Chaaminda Kumarasiri, Group MD of Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC.
- Ms. Kamaya Perera, President of the CMI Sri Lanka and Partner at KPMG.
- Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HNB.
- Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Each panelist brought a unique perspective, exploring the challenges and opportunities for nurturing ethical and visionary leadership in Sri Lanka’s evolving corporate ecosystem.
A particularly inspiring moment came during a Q&A session with cricket legend Angelo Mathews, Official Brand Ambassador of BIMT Campus, who shared his leadership experiences while captaining the national cricket team during challenging times. His insights on resilience, team dynamics, and leading under pressure resonated deeply with the audience.
Another key moment in the event was the powerful speech delivered by Mr. Ravi Jayawardena, Group Chief Executive Officer of Maliban Biscuits Manufacturers (Pvt) Ltd, a respected corporate leader known for his strategic acumen and leadership excellence. In his address, Mr. Jayawardena spoke about the evolving expectations from modern leaders, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in corporate environments. He emphasized that true leadership is not just about authority but about influence, empathy, and driving positive change. His speech resonated strongly with both students and professionals in attendance, inspiring a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lead in today’s fast-paced and dynamic world.
Dr. Sameem Shaffi, Head of Department Business Management, Arden University (UK), also addressed the gathering, focusing on the development of entrepreneurship and the need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth as a key driver of economic growth and innovation.
Ms. Sabrina Zavahir, the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, also addressed the audience. In her speech, she shared the editorial vision behind “From Campus to Corporate Leadership” and highlighted how the publication aims to empower students through stories, insights, and inspiration drawn from real-world experiences.
The launch of “From Campus to Corporate Leadership” and the accompanying leadership dialogue underscore BIMT Campus’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also ready to lead with integrity and purpose.