IGNITE FAIR - 2 Undergraduates' Sales Exhibition

IGNITE FAIR – 2, the Undergraduates’ Sales Exhibition, was successfully organized for the second time by the Career Guidance Unit of the Faculty of Arts in collaboration with the Students’ Club of the Career Guidance Unit, University of Colombo, on 19 th August 2025 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Faculty premises. The event featured 21 undergraduate entrepreneurs from all academic years. The exhibition was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake (Chief Guest), and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu (Guest of Honour). Other distinguished attendees included Ms. Chalika Thangaraja (Acting Co- Director, Career Guidance Unit), Mr. T. Sureshkaanth (Senior Assistant Registrar), Heads of
Departments, senior academics, lecturers, and undergraduates. The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Acting Co-Director, who emphasized the importance of empowering undergraduates to showcase their entrepreneurial talents. She highlighted that IGNITE FAIR – 2 provides a valuable platform for young entrepreneurs to present innovative business ideas, products, and services while gaining practical exposure to the business world.Following this, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, addressed the gathering. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of encouraging undergraduates to develop entrepreneurial skills, noting that such initiatives create diverse opportunities for future success, especially for students of the Faculty of Arts.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu, in his address, highlighted the significance of entrepreneurship in fostering self-employment and financial independence. He encouraged undergraduates to make use of such opportunities to think creatively and independently while contributing positively to society. Rev. Upulwila Mangala Thero, President of the Students’ Club of the Career Guidance Unit, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of creating entrepreneurial opportunities at the university level to provide students with both exposure and practical experience. The formal session concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Dishan Madhusanka, Lecturer and Working Committee Member of the Career Guidance Unit, who expressed appreciation to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their support in making the event a success.
The exhibition provided undergraduates with more than just a platform to display their products and services. It inspired them to think beyond traditional career paths, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. A special note of appreciation is extended to the Acting Co-Director, Ms. Wathsala Anuradhi and Mr. Dishan Madhusanka (Working Committee Members of the Career Guidance Unit) for their invaluable contributions toward the successful organization of the programme. Gratitude is also extended to Dr. Shashini Ranabahu (Co-Director) and Mr. Saman Wanasinghe (Co- Director), who first introduced and initiated this concept, laying the foundation for its continued success. Sincere thanks are further due to the Working Committee members of the Career Guidance Unit and the Students’ Club members, whose collective efforts ensured the remarkable success of IGNITE FAIR – 2.