RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO – The Seventh Annual Graduation Ceremony of Gatehouse Awards United Kingdom (UK) in Sri Lanka was held in grand manner at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on Saturday April 12.
The ceremony was organized under the visionary leadership of Najimudeen Sainulabdeen, Country Director of Gatehouse Awards UK in Sri Lanka, an exclusive academic partner of Gatehouse Awards for South East Asia, and Chairman of Ceylon College of Applied Studies (CCAS Campus).
This prestigious academic event celebrated the graduation of over 500 students from across Sri Lanka, representing a diverse range of academic and professional qualifications. Programs included Early Childhood Education, Nursing, Information Technology, Business Management, Teacher Training, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Caregiving, and more—delivered through Gatehouse Awards-accredited satellite centres operating island-wide.
The ceremony was graced by prominent local and international dignitaries. Among the chief guests was Dr. Mahdhy Shahid from the Republic of Maldives, a veteran educator, researcher, and celebrated poet, who delivered an inspiring keynote address on the transformative power of education.
Joining as fellow chief guest was U.M. Nalin Jayamini, Zonal Director of Education for Matara District, who commended the collaborative and inclusive educational efforts of the participating institutions.
The event also welcomed Mohamed Tuming, Counsellor of Malaysian Commission in Sri Lanka, whose presence emphasized the strong international academic ties shared with Gatehouse Awards centres.
Other Guests of Honor included: Dr. Mohamed Rabik (India), career counseling specialist, Dr. Sir Deshapriya S. Wijetunge, Director General of SUNFO Global Federation, (Dr.) Rosan Kularathna Sooriyakumara, Renewable Energy Consultant, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority,
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Media and civil society were also represented with Special Guests such as Yakoob Umarlebbe, Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, and Dr. I.Y.M. Haniff, Director of JJ Foundation Sri Lanka.
The graduation ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from the many accredited satellite centres of Gatehouse Awards across Sri Lanka, whose students were honored for their academic accomplishments.
The event stood as a powerful testament to academic excellence, leadership, and international collaboration. It marked not only a significant achievement for the graduates but also a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s advancement in global education.
