Dear Students,
The world today, as one, is experiencing a massive wave of uncertainty at the hands of COVID-19, and we at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, stand in solidarity with each and every person, family, city and nation that is severely affected by this pandemic, and share their grief as we all pass through these testing times.
The FMSC, as you are aware has been in the practice of working tirelessly to ensure that our students graduate on time; however, given this unprecedented crisis we had to take a vital step back in order to protect each other and our community. Therefore, I’d firstly wish to reassure you that your academic activities will remain a priority for us and that we will take all measures necessary in order to ensure that this disruption has minimal effect over your respective degree programmes. Therefore, do not allow yourselves to worry in this regard, and rest assured that we will get back on track once the tide settles down. In the meantime, if you’re facing difficulties (economic or otherwise) due to prevalent situation in the country, do not hesitate to contact your respective Head of the Department or if you’re a first-year student, the Common Programme Coordinator; and we will then assist you to the best of our capacity.
Having said that, I wish to highlight that the need of this hour is your safety and the safety of those around you. Therefore, while you respect the measures that have been put in place for the safety of our nation and coorporate by taking necessary precautions, I urge you to employ this period in order to engage in a broader sense of education; perhaps by learning a new skill, cultivating your own garden and cleaning your surroundings, reading on topics that interest you beyond course work (you may access the library and other eBooks that have been available to do so), practicing activities that would help you in remaining strong both mentally and physically, and so on. Further, as a university student, I hope that this period would allow you to take up leadership and add value to your family and if possible, your community.
COVID-19 has given you the gift of freedom and time, both which you complained of not having enough before. So, use it wisely - to explore yourself and to strengthen relationships with your loved ones, for this opportunity may never be yours again.
Wishing you, your loved ones, and communities good health.
Dr. U. Anura Kumara
Dean
Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce