“Career Compass Seminar” is a career guidance initiative by the IEEE Sri Lanka Inspire(SLI) – a project launched by the IEEE Sri Lanka section and Young Professionals Sri Lanka in collaboration with SL2 College, with the aim of empowering Sri Lankan students through education, guidance, and motivation. This year, Career Compass Seminar for the Northern Province was organized by the IEEE Student Branch of the University of Vavuniya, in
collaboration with IEEE SLI. This seminar aimed at guiding secondary school students, particularly focusing on grades 9 to 11, highlighting tertiary education opportunities (degrees/courses in government and private universities, vocational training centres) in Sri Lanka. The Career Compass Seminar for the Northern Province was held on the 25th of June 2025(Wednesday) from 1.30 P.M. to 4.30 P.M. at TLH-1, Faculty of Technological Studies, University of Vavuniya. A total of 150 students and 10 teachers from three regional schools namely V/Rambaikulam Girls’ Maha Vidyalayam, V/Vavuniya Muslim Maha Vidyalayam,
and Al-Aksha Maha Vidyalayam participated in the seminar. The event featured interactive presentations, motivational talks, and in-depth discussions on academic and career planning, and interactive sessions, all delivered in a supportive and professional environment. Chairperson of IEEE Sri Lanka Inspire, Mr. Kavindra Weerasinghe, and Vice Chair, Program and Delivery of IEEE Sri Lanka Inspire, Mr. Sithum Sankajith, were present at the seminar.
The session began with a welcome speech by the project chair, Mr.Azrikam Libisanan Jeyasingam followed by an introduction address by Mr. Kavindra Weerasinghe, Chairperson of IEEE Sri Lanka Inspire. Following that, Mr.V.Senthooran, Dean of the Faculty of Technological Studies, University of Vavuniya, shared his insights on career selection and tertiary education with the participants. The session was further enriched by the presence of university faculty members, IEEE representatives, and distinguished speakers who shared valuable insights and encouragement.Speaker Mr.Siththiravel Saarujan highlighted the streams to pursue in Advanced Level and the Z-Score calculation, speakers Mr.Karunithaa Mullaielankumaran , Ms.Banuja Vijayarajan and Ms.Constantine Thanees Andrews highlighted the tertiary education opportunities in Sri Lanka both government and private.
Finally, Mr.Sivakumar Priyarahul shared the funding opportunities available for pursuing tertiary education. The speaker sessions were interactive and included ice breaking sessions like singing and Question and Answers sessions. The speaker session was followed by a motivational address by Mr. Thisakaran Rasalingam, Assistant Lecturer, Department of ICT, Faculty of Technological Studies, who shared his journey and encouraged students to pursue higher education with confidence. The seminar featured active participation from students during the Question and Answer and feedback sessions. Additionally, Mr. Kavindra
Weerasinghe, Chairperson of IEEE Sri Lanka Inspire, and Mr. Sithum Sankajith, Vice Chair – Program and Delivery of IEEE Sri Lanka Inspire, addressed the gathering with inspiring thoughts, and the IEEE SLInspire website was introduced to the participants. The event concluded with a final address by Ms.T.Amrithaa, Branch Counsellor, IEEE Student Branch of the University of Vavuniya, and a vote of thanks by Fathima Nuzha, project
secretary. The seminar was a great success with positive reflections from attendees and a reaffirmed commitment to bridging the gap between school education and higher education opportunities. In conclusion, the Career Compass Session for Northern Province was an impactful session that successfully helped create awareness on school-level education and higher education opportunities in Sri Lanka. Students left with a clearer vision for their future
academic paths, while teachers appreciated the practicality and relevance of the guidance shared. The seminar achieved its mission of inspiring the next generation of Sri Lankan learners, fostering a culture of career readiness, and strengthening collaboration between IEEE, the academic community, and local schools.
