‘Upadhdhari Viyavasayaka Udaanaya 2024 – Brain into Business’
A three day workshop, ‘Upadhidhari Viyavasayaka Udaanaya 2024’ was organized by the Career Guidance Unit of Faculty of Arts in collaboration with National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) on 29th,30th and 31st of July, 2024. Forty undergraduates representing all faculties of the university participated for this workshop. The Career Guidance Unit organized this workshop for the fourth consecutive year to help undergraduates of the university to become successful entrepreneurs in the future. Main purpose of conducting this three day workshop was to develop entrepreneurship skills of undergraduates and to teach them how to develop a successful business proposal.
The inauguration of this workshop was held with the participation of Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu, Dean, Faculty of Arts, gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Other honorary guests were Professor DLPM Rathnasingha, Director, Career Guidance Unit, University of Colombo, Mr. Lasantha Kariyapperuma, Chairman/Director, NEDA, Senior Lecturer Mr. Saman Wanasinghe, Director, Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Arts, Mr.Sashika De Mel, Assistant Director, NEDA and several Enterprise Promotion Officers of NEDA. The rest of the first day of the workshop included students being introduced to foundation concepts of a business and selecting a business idea. The rest of the workshop was conducted by master trainer Mr. D.B. Jayathilake and assistant trainer Mr. P.K. Suren of National Enterprise Development Authority.
During the second day students were able to enhance their knowledge on handling a business through practical activities which were successfully conducted with the active participation of undergraduates. Students who already own a business were able to share their experiences faced as entrepreneurs with other students. During the third and final day of the workshop students were extensively given knowledge on how to write a successful business proposal.
Most importantly, National Enterprise Development Authority will offer grants worth Rs. 250,000/- for best individual business proposals and grants worth Rs. 450,000/- for collective business proposals prepared according to workshop guidelines. During the course of the workshop the participants were able to enrich their knowledge on how to successfully develop a business and a business proposal and recognize the skills and competencies needed in becoming a successful entrepreneur.
