The Internship and Career Development Centre of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies (FCMS), University of Kelaniya, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wijeya Newspapers Limited on 9th April 2026 at the Senate Room of the University of Kelaniya. The partnership marks another important step in the Faculty’s efforts to strengthen industry linkages and create meaningful opportunities for undergraduate development.

Wijeya Newspapers Limited (WNL), one of Sri Lanka’s leading media organizations, publishes several nationally recognized newspapers and magazines and plays a significant role in shaping the country's media landscape. The MoU aims to promote training opportunities for undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya, facilitate the sharing of industry expertise, and encourage the development of reading habits among students.

The signing ceremony was attended by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Mr K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University; and Dr Chathuni Jayasinghe, Director of the Internship and Career Development Centre. Heads of Departments, internship coordinators from all departments, and several members of the academic staff were also present.

Representing Wijeya Newspapers Limited were Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara, Chief Operating Officer, along with several other representatives of the organization. Their participation reflected the company’s commitment to supporting higher education and fostering stronger connections between academia and industry.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean, and Dr Chathuni Jayasinghe emphasized the importance of industry partnerships in enhancing student development and preparing graduates for the evolving world of work. They also highlighted the value of cultivating strong reading habits among university students as a means of broadening knowledge and developing critical thinking skills. Speaking on behalf of Wijeya Newspapers Limited, Eng. Janaka Rathnakumara underscored the mutual benefits of university–industry collaborations and expressed the company's commitment to supporting student learning and professional growth.

The MoU is expected to open new avenues for student engagement through training opportunities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and greater access to quality media content. It further strengthens the University of Kelaniya’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates equipped with both academic knowledge and practical industry exposure.