IGNITE FAIR – 3 Undergraduate Entrepreneurs’ Sales Exhibition

IGNITE FAIR – 3, the Undergraduate Entrepreneurs’ Sales Exhibition, was successfully conducted for the third 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. The event took place on 10 th February 2026, from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., at the Faculty premises, featuring 27 undergraduate entrepreneurs representing all academic years.

The exhibition was honoured by the presence of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Iresha Lakshman, Chairman of the National Enterprise Development Authority, Mr. Lakshman Abeysekera, and Director of the National Enterprise Development Authority, Mr. Danuka Liyanagamage. Among the other distinguished guests were Founding Director of the Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Arts, Mr. Saman Wanasinghe, Heads of Departments, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Quality Assurance Cell, senior academics, lecturers including members of the CGU working committee, Mr. T. Sureshkaanth, Senior Assistant Registrar, and undergraduates.

The programme began with a welcome speech delivered by Dr. Shashini Ranabahu, who highlighted the significance of providing undergraduates with opportunities to display their entrepreneurial abilities. She noted that IGNITE FAIR – 3 serves as a dynamic platform for students to introduce creative business concepts, products, and services while gaining valuable practical experience in the business sector.

Following this, Professor Iresha Lakshman, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, addressed the audience. She stressed the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial competencies among undergraduates and emphasized that initiatives such as IGNITE FAIR open new avenues for career development, particularly for students within the Faculty of Arts.

In his keynote remarks, Mr. Lakshman Abeysekera, Chairman of the National Enterprise Development Authority, underlined the vital role of entrepreneurship in promoting self- employment and economic independence. He encouraged students to utilize such platforms to develop innovative thinking, independence, and social responsibility.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Rev. Upulwila Mangala Thero, President of the Students’ Club, who conveyed gratitude to all distinguished guests, participants, and organizing members for their contributions toward the success of the event.

Beyond serving as a marketplace for products and services, the exhibition motivated undergraduates to explore alternative career pathways while fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership qualities among future business professionals.

Special appreciation is extended to Ms. Sandaru Diwakara, and Mr. Osanda Gunaratne (Working Committee Members of the Career Guidance Unit) for their dedication and guidance in organizing the programme. Heartfelt thanks are also conveyed to the Working Committee members of the Career Guidance Unit and the Students’ Club members, whose teamwork and commitment contributed significantly to the outstanding success of IGNITE FAIR – 3. Finally, sincere gratitude is extended to everyone who supported and contributed to the success of IGNITE FAIR – 3.