The fourth cohort of University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) graduates from Universal College Lanka (UCL) celebrated their remarkable accomplishments during a grand convocation at the prestigious Shangri-La Colombo. This milestone marks nine years of UCL’s excellence in transnational education and seven years of fruitful collaboration with the distinguished University of Central Lancashire, UK.
The ceremony began with the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the national anthems of Sri Lanka and the UK, setting an atmosphere of unity and pride. Dr. Chamila Ariyananda, Chief Executive Officer of UCL, extended a warm welcome, perfectly capturing the spirit of the evening.
Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni, UCL Provost, officially inaugurated the event, spotlighting the institution’s unwavering dedication to transformative education. Degrees conferred included BA (Hons) in International Business, BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering, and MSc in Digital Marketing Communications.
Among the 75 graduates, 26 percent achieved First-Class Honours, with a stellar 100 percent pass rate across all programs—a testament to UCL’s academic rigor and excellence.
The event also celebrated extraordinary achievements, with Valedictorian M. Janith Iresha Peiris delivering an emotive address highlighting the resilience and unity of the Class of 2024.
Salutatorian Anjuli Mahinkanda and third-place awardee Tehani Ekanayake Goonesinha were also honored for their outstanding accomplishments.
Director of UCL, Dr. Harsha Alles, emphasized the global readiness of the graduates, stating, “Our 100 percent employability rate and the success of our alumni in top companies worldwide reflect the transformative impact of a UCL education. These graduates are ready to excel on the global stage.”
Beyond academic milestones, the ceremony acknowledged the graduates’ holistic development, celebrating their contributions to research, global competitions, and community service. A heartwarming video montage of their journey left the audience inspired and full of pride for their bright futures.As the graduates step into the world as part of UCLan’s global alumni network, they are poised to make significant contributions across industries. UCL remains steadfast in its mission to inspire innovation and nurture excellence.
The joyous evening ended with a group photograph and refreshments, leaving a lasting impression of unity and achievement. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their stellar journey and bright futures ahead!
