The Department of Mathematics in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit, University of Kelaniya organized a Soft Skills development program at Hotel Winfield, Delogoda on 5th April. A total of 79 students attended the program. The workshop commenced with a motivational talk on ‘Soft-skills for Life’ by Mr. Mohan Palliyaguru, Key Trainer/Motivational Speaker- Life skill academy.
Speaking at the end of the first session, Mr. J. Munasinghe, the Director- Career Guidance Unit, University of Kelaniya and Senior Lecturer/ Department of Mathematics noted, “This program is an important one as it addresses the gap between what university students learn and what is expected of them by their employers. Soft skills are a vital part of our life skills. Many of our graduates lack these skills which in turn makes it hard for them to stand out in such a competitive job market. Programmes such as these are considered with the highest priority and importance at the University of Kelaniya and many students do not get this opportunity”. He also expressed his gratitude to the panel of resource persons and the Department of Mathematics for organizing the event.
This was followed by an activity based session on Social Etiquette, Personality Development, Confidence Building, Facing interviews & effective communication by Mr.Dilini Boyagoda- Trainer and Teacher of Speech and Drama attached to the Wendy Whatmore academy. The last session covered the topics Team Building and Leadership Skills and was conducted by Mr.Tharindu Weerasinghe, Trainer/Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Resources Management, University of Kelaniya. The session included several out-door team building activities in which students can interactively participate.
The programme was completed successfully enabling many participants to reflect on their future career path and life in greater depth and understand what they need to do to get there.