Ceylon Chamber, EDEX create ‘win-win’ partnership

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), the longstanding strategic partner of EDEX has endorsed EDEX Expo for the seventh consecutive time for 2012.

The CCC being the voice of business in Sri Lanka is instrumental in harnessing talents of youth and creating a momentum for entrepreneurial activity. The CCC together with EDEX jointly contributes to further education and career options available for youth in Sri Lanka.

“Today’s private sector firmly believes that sustainable growth and hence profits will accrue, only if benefits of development percolate to the grass roots and if opportunities are open to all rather than a select few.

This is why the CCC champions the cause of education, career guidance and youth development. Our youth have shown that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone when interacting internationally. We would like to see that expand,” CCC General Secretary and CEO Harin Malwatte said. The CCC affirms that EDEX is catalyst in creating a change of attitude among youth to achieve their dreams in higher education, skills development and employment.

“In an era where the key to success is ability to compete well, the vision of EDEX, empowering youth to be globally competitive, is most appropriate. It is a vision that CCC can relate to and support without reservations”, Malwatte said.

The CCC also conducts a number of projects to empower youth, including a Career Guidance Programme aimed for O/Level and A/Level qualified students and the Youth Business Sri Lanka Programme that assists and mentors emerging young entrepreneurs.

“The partnership between EDEX and CCC facilitates youth to interact closely with the private sector.

We have witnessed this strategic partnership going beyond boundaries of an exhibition by adding value through processes such as career counselling and placements.

Towards this as in the past we have strived for a significant presence through our membership. It has been a win-win partnership,” Malwatte said.

EDEX Expo Chairman Kamal Abeysinghe said, “Our youth especially the job seekers face huge challenges in meeting the expectations of employers. EDEX Expo offers them a great opportunity to interact with the prospective employers and understand their expectations.

Our partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will facilitate prospective employers to make their presence at Expo to educate career aspirants and even engage in recruitments.

EDEX is the pioneering higher education and careers exhibition in Sri Lanka organized by Royal College Union attracting the largest and most diverse number of local and overseas participants held annually in Colombo and Kandy.

The ninth EDEX expo will be held on January 20, 21 and 22, 2012 at the BMICH Colombo and on January 27 and 28 at the Kandy City Centre, respectively.