Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
As a fresh initiative by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Rajarata University in Sri Lanka launched a program to train non-academic staff members and their families to improve their technical skills for engaging in entrepreneurial operations. A number of training workshops will be held as part of this program, with an emphasis on topics that present prospects for launching small-scale enterprises. These topics include floral design and event decoration, horticulture and plant nursery management, compost creation, ornamental fish farming, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping.
The Moratuwa-Rathmalana Lions Club is collaborating with the university to offer a series of workshops at the Staff Development Center. The courses are all financially supported by the club. On October 28, 2023, the project was officially launched in the auditorium of the Staff Development Center. Dr. Raveendra Jayarathna, a resource person from the university’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, led the inaugural workshop on “Event Decoration and Floral Arrangements.” Participating in the event were Lion (Mrs.) Sawrnamalee Fernando, President; Professor (Mrs.) Sanjeewani Ginigaddara, Vice-Chancellor of Rajarata University; Dr. Lalith Senaratha, Director of the Staff Development Center; and members of the Lions Club of Moratuwa-Rathmalana 306-A-1, as well as Lion Wasantha Rathnapala, Region Chairman of the Lions Club of Anuradhapura 306-B-2.
The emphasis on topics that present prospects for launching small-scale enterprises, including horticulture, compost creation, ornamental fish farming, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping, aligns with SDG 1’s goal of eradicating poverty by promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Topics such as horticulture, plant nursery management, compost creation, and mushroom cultivation contribute to SDG 2 by addressing issues related to food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The program aims to improve technical skills for non-academic staff members and their families, contributing to the goal of providing quality education and lifelong learning opportunities (SDG 4).
By providing training in technical skills with a focus on launching small-scale enterprises, the program supports the promotion of decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by enhancing employability and entrepreneurship.
The collaboration with the Moratuwa-Ratmalana Lions Club for offering workshops and financial support demonstrates a partnership (SDG 17) between the university and a community organization to achieve common goals related to education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
