Akbar Brothers Group, the country’s leading tea exporter and conglomerate, extended its MOU for cooperation with the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo (UoC), for another year to 2023, a Colombo University Alumni Association news release said.This program is a continuing initiative of the Alumni Association, representing all alumni of the University of Colombo, to work closely with leading private and public sector organizations to provide opportunities for enhanced corporate sector involvement and support in the UoC’s activities, it said.
Formed in 1982, the Alumni Association of the University of Colombo is an apex body of the alumni of various faculties, forming a link between its membership and the university. Members of the association comprise all alumni who have passed out of the University of Colombo.
“Today, the association continues its role of fostering close ties between the student body, University and its alumni. The Alumni Association of the University of Colombo views its role as “connectors” and thought leaders very seriously. Towards this end, it not only conducts various programs and initiatives targeting the development and welfare of undergraduates and its members but also conducts public forums to create awareness and discussion in matters of public importance,” the release said.
Asgi Akbarally, Executive Director of Akbar Brothers Group speaking at the signing ceremony said “Akbar Brothers Group of companies continuously aligns with the reality of social and environmental sustainability across all our sectors within our national economy and globally. Our priority on the triple bottom line growth, fosters sustainable economic opportunities; And partnering with the University of Colombo Alumni has strengthened our motive of being a responsible corporate citizen in the development of our nation.”
UoC Alumni President Rajeev Amarasuriya said that he was appreciative that Akbar Brothers, a leading conglomerate in the country extending the partnership in spite of the difficult times. The last two years were difficult with the Universities operating mostly virtually.
With the students now returning to campuses there is much that needs to be done to support their return to conventional university learning. He went on to state that unlike most other universities around the world which are fee levying, State Universities here provide undergraduate studies completely free of charge. It is the responsibility of alumni and all stakeholders to support the university system which is a primary source of talent creation for the country.