APIIT- Sri Lanka Convocation 2011

It was a celebration of success for 238 Graduands who graduated in Computing/ IT, Business Administration and MSc in Technology Management at the annual APIIT Convocation held at the BMICH on 12th December 2011. This occasion was graced by His Excellency John Rankin, British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Professor Michael Gunn, Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University, UK. Partnerships Manager, Staffordshire University, UK, Ms. Liz Hathaway and Directors of APIIT Sri Lanka Dr. Ifthikar Ismail and Mr. Aboobucker Yoosuf were among the distinguished invitees.

The colourful ceremony was a joyous occasion where students who entered APIIT as young undergraduates finally reaped the fruits of their hard labour and formally bid goodbye to 'student life'. Reflecting the high standards of education at APIIT leading to a rich learning experience and overall personality development, the Graduands marched on to the stage to receive their awards exuding confidence; they surely appeared poised to take on the challenges of their career and life ahead.

The chief guest, His Excellency John Rankin delivered the convocation address highlighting the opportunities in Sri Lanka as a fast developing nation. Further elaborating, He explained how Asia is gaining rapid economic growth whilst the traditional west is still recovering from the financial crisis. His Excellency John Rankin congratulated the graduates for their excellent achievement and praised the longstanding partnership between Staffordshire University and APIIT Sri Lanka.

In his speech, Professor Michael Gunn, Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University, UK emphasized that Staffordshire University is committed to widening the range of learning opportunities for students. He highlighted the dedication of the University to providing a learning environment where global perspectives are embedded within the experience of students; preparing them for employment in an increasingly interdependent global society.

The CEO of APIIT Sri Lanka, Dr. Athula Pitigala-Arachchi, in his address, indicated that the current government policy on higher education has created an environment for rapid expansion of higher education and that APIIT is keen to capitalize on these opportunities. Emphasizing the enduring partnership with Staffordshire University, UK Dr. Pitigala- arachchi stated that "The success of our partnership is underpinned by a shared vision, which encompasses a commitment to provide learning experiences of high quality, and training of graduates with a view to transforming their lives".

APIIT - Sri Lanka, in association with APIIT Malaysia and Staffordshire University, UK, is part of an international collaboration with links to a wide range of reputable universities in the UK and Australia. APIIT- Sri Lanka's principal purpose is to produce high quality graduates who possess the knowledge and skills in Computing/ IT, Business Management and Law to make them true professionals in their respective fields.

The institute focuses intensely on professional development as a key requirement to develop a successful career. Thus, in addition to receiving high quality education that keeps abreast of new developments, APIIT students are further trained to adhere to a professional code of ethics covering aspects of image and conduct expected of a true professional.