Biz Icon ’26, the flagship initiative organized by the Finance Committee of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was designed as a dynamic educational platform aimed at empowering G.C.E. Advanced Level Commerce stream students with knowledge, exposure, and career-oriented guidance.
Aligned with the principles of Quality Education and youth employability, the initiative supported SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, ensuring meaningful and sustainable impact through education and collaboration.
The project was structured to deliver value through a comprehensive on ground experience, ensuring accessibility and practical learning. The flagship event, was successfully held on 9th January at the Imperial College of Business Studies, bringing together school level commerce students for an immersive learning experience that bridged classroom education with real world perspectives.
A Purposeful On-Ground Experience
The event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by a warm welcome address by Rtr. Neha Anosh, Joint Director – Finance, who outlined the vision of Biz Icon ’26 and emphasized the importance of early exposure for commerce students preparing for higher education and professional pathways.
The event was smoothly hosted by Rtr. Sarith Fernando and Rtr. Safaa Abdeen, whose engaging hosting ensured a seamless flow throughout the program.
Inspiring Minds Through Knowledge and Experience
Motivational Session
The first main segment featured an inspiring motivational session conducted by Mr. Rumesh Asanka, Founder of SARU Learning and Innovation. He highlighted the importance of mindset, discipline, and adaptability, encouraging students to build strong personal foundations during their school years.
Panel Discussion
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “Campus to Corporate: Navigating Your Journey to Business Excellence.” The session provided students with invaluable insights from experienced professionals:
- Dr. Chamara Bandara, President – AAT Sri Lanka
- Mr. Kanishka Munasinghe, Vice President – Human Resources, CAL Group
- Mr. R.M.N. Jeewantha, Chief Operating Officer, Bank of Ceylon
The discussion was expertly moderated by Rtr. Renish Perera, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, fostering meaningful interaction and reflection. Panelists shared practical perspectives on career pathways, professional expectations, leadership readiness, and the realities of transitioning from school to the corporate environment.
Grooming Session
Adding further value, the grooming session titled “Be a Plain Tea”, conducted by Mr. Sampath Soysa, Co-Founder and CEO of Good Grooming Global, emphasized personal branding, professional etiquette, and corporate presence—highlighting the importance of soft skills alongside academic excellence.
Academic Engagement Through Competition
The event also featured an engaging Quiz Competition designed for G.C.E. A/L Commerce students. Demonstrating exceptional analytical thinking and teamwork, Royal College and Visakha Vidyalaya emerged as the winners.
At the Prize Awarding Ceremony, winners were awarded Pearl Bay leisure tickets and ACCA scholarships sponsored by Alpha Business School, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to academic progression and professional development.
Gratitude and the Strength behind the Success
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Rtr. Diyana Fernando, Chairperson – Biz Icon ’26, who expressed sincere appreciation to the speakers, partners, participating schools, and attendees.
The success of Biz Icon ’26 stands as a testament to the dedication, coordination, and tireless efforts of the Directors and the Organising Committee, whose commitment transformed months of planning into a well-executed, impactful initiative. Their collective effort and strong teamwork were instrumental in ensuring the events overall success.
The Power of Partnership
The success of Biz Icon ’26 was made possible through the unwavering support of a diverse group of partners who share the Rotaract spirit.
Monetary Partners:
- Official Title Partner: Imperial College
- Signature Partner: LOLC Finance
- Associate Partner: Alpha Business School
- Banner Partner: Ceylan Lush
In-kind Partners:
- Official Leisure Partner: PearlBay
- Official Photography Partner: Dark Heart Media
- Official Print Media Partner: Sunday Observer
- Food Partner: Queen Brownies
- Gift Partners: Mimosa, Ambera Candles, Mug Hub, Handmode Candle, Cacti Spot, Craft Decor, Scrunchies by Cee, and Happy Plants.
- Official Digital Media Partners: StudyWay, Newswire, Good PR, Unitoday, and Ceylon 365.
Guiding Commerce Students Towards a Confident Future
More than just an event, Biz Icon ’26 emerged as a powerful platform that guided G.C.E. A/L Commerce stream students from awareness to action. By delivering an impactful on-ground experience, the initiative successfully bridged the gap between school education and the corporate world, reaffirming the Rotaract spirit of empowering youth and shaping future professionals.
