We are delighted to announce that on September 15, 2023, the Department of Commerce at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, has entered into a strategic alliance with the Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce (SLACC). We would like to express our profound appreciation to Mr. Kalum De Silva and Ms. Perera for their invaluable insights and unwavering support in forging this strategic partnership between the Department of Commerce and SLACC. The Department of Commerce proudly holds the distinction of being the first single-degree awarding department within the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, with a rich history spanning over four decades.
Higher education institutions, professional organizations, and industries play a pivotal role in fostering socio-economic development, paving the way for Sri Lanka to emerge as a prosperous nation within the Asian context, akin to Singapore. Consequently, we advocate for a holistic approach that underscores the critical collaboration between academia and industry, which we believe is of paramount importance for Sri Lanka, especially in these challenging times.
SLACC stands as the first and only organization established under the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry dedicated to promoting commercial trade and policy discussions between Sri Lanka and Australian businesses. SLACC has established strategic partnerships with respected academic and industrial bodies both in Australia and the Sri Lankan context, including the Sri Lanka – Australia- New Zealand Business Council, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, CA Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, and more.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Commerce and SLACC outlines a range of insightful initiatives, including:
• Hosting workshops and capacity-building programs conducted by SLACC.
• Offering internship opportunities with SLACC members.
• Arranging exposure and field study visits for undergraduates to witness the practical application of theories and concepts in real-world scenarios.
• Establishing a Gold Medal Award to recognize the most outstanding student.
• Engaging in community and industry-level action research.
It is crucial to emphasize that these initiatives currently exist on paper, and it is our collective responsibility to transform these words into tangible actions. As a united team, we are wholeheartedly committed to exerting our utmost effort to translate these words into meaningful actions. Together, we can turn this vision into a concrete reality.
