Shenelle Rodrigo, an alumna of ECU Sri Lanka campus, has been honored with the prestigious ECU Alumni Award 2024 at a grand ceremony held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Perth. Accompanied by her husband and business partner, Shenelle received the esteemed international recognition for her outstanding contributions to the Tourism industry of Sri Lanka and her efforts in promoting the potential of the higher education industry in Sri Lanka.
Appointed as the Brand Ambassador for ECU Sri Lanka in 2023, just ahead of the campus’s grand launch in August 2023, Shenelle has played an instrumental role in not only advocating for ECU’s unique offerings but also in changing the landscape of education for Sri Lankan students. Her campaign, which has been widely praised, aims to highlight the fact that an international education does not require leaving the country. Through her tireless efforts, she has shown that Edith Cowan University (ECU) provides Sri Lankan students with the opportunity to receive world-class education at home.
Shenelle’s campaign and advocacy efforts have been pivotal in raising awareness that Sri Lanka no longer needs to be a stepping stone for students seeking global academic opportunities. With ECU’s Sri Lanka campus now operational, Sri Lankan students can access the same high-quality programs that are available in Australia, without the financial and logistical burdens of studying abroad. This has been a game-changer for many, offering students a path to international qualifications and career prospects while remaining in their home country.
In addition to her work as an ambassador, Shenelle has been collaborating closely with the ECU Sri Lanka campus management, spearheading efforts to position Sri Lanka as an international education hub. Collaboration with ECU Sri Lanka, Shenelle Rodrigo and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is a testament to her commitment to the broader vision of bringing international students to Sri Lanka, further enhancing the country’s status as a premier education destination. By attracting students from across the globe, ECU Sri Lanka aims to foster cross-cultural exchange, innovation, and academic excellence.
The management of ECU and ECU Sri Lanka congratulated Shenelle on her well-deserved win at the Alumni Awards. In a statement, they expressed their excitement about continuing to work closely with her to further contribute to Sri Lanka’s educational growth. The management also emphasized their shared vision of transforming Sri Lanka into a global educational hub, one where students can gain international exposure and qualifications without leaving the island. This vision, supported by Shenelle’s advocacy and hard work, has the potential to reshape Sri Lanka’s future, not only for local students but also for international students seeking a top-tier education in a vibrant and culturally rich environment.
Shenelle’s achievements extend beyond her work with ECU. She is a well-respected figure in Sri Lanka’s business and education communities and is admired for her ability to blend professional expertise with a deep sense of social responsibility. Her tireless effort in “Taking Sri Lanka to the world” is paving the way for a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s youth and contributing to the nation’s long-term economic and social development.
The ECU Alumni Award 2024 is a testament to Shenelle Rodrigo’s dedication and vision in making a lasting impact on the education landscape in Sri Lanka. ECU Sri Lanka looks forward to her continued contributions in making higher education more accessible, global, and transformative for students across Sri Lanka and beyond.
This milestone achievement by Shenelle Rodrigo is a significant step towards elevating Sri Lanka’s status on the global education map, offering both local and international students the chance to experience world-class education at ECU Sri Lanka.
