It is an honor to be invited here today and a joy to be with you, given my long-standing relationship with this university.
Nearly fifteen years ago, during Prof. Nimal Perera’s tenure as VC, I was first invited to speak to your faculty’s students. This initial engagement led to a partnership with your university to deliver a tailor-made Diploma in Personal Financial Management for the Life Insurance Advisors of Eagle Insurance, now AIA. I believe this was a pioneering initiative, and recently, the diploma has been recognized as an entry qualification for degree programs.
Prof. Aminda Methsila was a key contributor to that program.
I have also frequently visited your Makandura faculty to deliver lectures and participate in staff development activities. It feels good to be back with you.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone receiving degrees from this prestigious institution. I’m sure you are feeling both a sense of accomplishment and relief.
After today, some of you will continue your academic journey, while most will join the workforce or start your own businesses. Seeing you reminds me of my own youth and the beginning of my career.
I started as a salesclerk selling polythene, having failed my A/Ls and thus unable to attend university. I pursued my studies part-time while working, long before the era of online learning. Interestingly, I followed a course from a college in London via post, completing and returning exercises by mail. It’s almost hard to believe such a method was possible today.
Through both my professional studies and life experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons. Let me share four practices that have worked for me:
- Gratitude: In this moment of joy, I invite you to close your eyes and recall everyone who has supported your journey—professors, lecturers, non-academic staff, family members, and friends. Extend a deep thought of gratitude beyond just saying thank you. The attitude of gratitude is a significant value in our culture, symbolized by the phrase “pin sidu wewa,” which captures the concept of transferable merit. Gratitude makes us humbler and more aware of our interdependence.
- Process Mindset: Observe things as part of a process. Today, you transition from undergraduates to graduates, a culmination of hard work and interdependent steps. Life and business are continuous processes with causes, effects, and dependencies. Embrace the present moment, as relationships and experiences constantly evolve. Pay full attention and appreciate the evolutionary process in your work and personal life.
- Passion: Be passionate about whatever you do. Treat every task as the most important, as it involves spending your most valuable asset—time. Approach opportunities with excitement and enthusiasm, striving to make a difference. Passionate work is evident in the dedication of mothers preparing meals for almsgivings or my early days selling polythene and writing advertising copy. Passion drives excellence and innovation.
- Mindfulness: Develop awareness and mindfulness. This skill has greatly contributed to my professional and personal accomplishments. By slowing down and observing your routine activities, you enhance your awareness of sensations, emotions, and intentions. Mindfulness helps you respond to life without reacting, allowing you to experience the present moment fully. Practice mindfulness regularly to switch back to the present and make thoughtful decisions.
In summary, cultivate an attitude of gratitude, adopt a process-oriented approach, be passionate, and practice mindfulness. As you reach this significant milestone in your education, use your knowledge and experience to dream big and contribute to our nation’s progress. We need your innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
I wish you all the very best. Jaya Sri.
Deepal Sooriyaarachchi – Accredited Master Coach and Mentor, Consulting Partner of RBL USA, and board member of various organizations. Contact: [email protected]
