CINEC Campus, a leading higher education institution in Sri Lanka, is expanding its Open Day programme beyond its Malabe main campus with a nationwide initiative starting September 6. The series aims to provide students, parents, and guardians across the island direct access to information on academic programmes, career guidance, and emerging industry trends.
The islandwide programme will visit multiple locations, including Havelock City Mall, One Galle Face, the National Youth Services Council premises in Anuradhapura, Bishop Lakshman Wickremasinghe Centre in Kurunegala, and the Municipal Council Hall in Galle. Each event, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer attendees the chance to engage with faculty and industry professionals, explore degree pathways, and gain insights into the skills needed in today’s competitive job market.
Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga, a leading figure at CINEC, emphasized the institution’s commitment to career-focused education. He noted that the university prioritizes preparing students not just academically but also professionally, equipping them with practical skills, communication abilities, and workplace expectations to improve their employability. According to Prof. Amaratunga, CINEC aims to transform students during their studies by developing these capabilities alongside traditional academic qualifications.
Highlighting the evolving needs of the workforce, Prof. Amaratunga stressed that higher education must adapt to the changing interests and strengths of today’s youth. Recognizing shifts driven by advancements in technology and new industry demands, the institution has integrated emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, geographic information systems (GIS), drone technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy into its curriculum. CINEC also collaborates with sectors involved in solar energy to expose students to developments beyond conventional academic settings.
In addition to academic programmes, CINEC implements a compulsory 45-hour career development course designed to offer students practical exposure to professional environments. The programme brings experienced practitioners into contact with students to help them understand workplace expectations related to communication, behaviour, and adaptability. Prof. Amaratunga describes this as a core part of the student experience, aimed at enhancing graduates’ readiness for both local and international employment markets.
CINEC offers flexible entry options to accommodate diverse educational backgrounds, including foundation courses for Advanced Level completers, diploma top-up degrees, and accredited engineering programmes. The Open Day events provide an opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore these pathways, discuss long-term academic and career goals, and clarify doubts before committing to a programme.
Attendees at the Open Day sessions will also benefit from special walk-in registration discounts. Admission is free for students, parents, and guardians, reflecting CINEC’s effort to make higher education information more accessible across the country.
Through this initiative, CINEC seeks to go beyond traditional university admissions by fostering informed decision-making and aligning education with the evolving demands of the economy. Prof. Amaratunga underscores the importance of higher education institutions responding to industry changes while recognizing the aspirations of a new generation of learners. The September series offers a platform for students and families to understand how a degree from CINEC can serve as a foundation not only for academic achievement but for career development and meaningful societal contribution.