Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Prof. Sampath Amaratunge recently said companies, products and individuals including professionals must harness their uniqueness or else face failure.

Delivering the keynote speech at the inaugural research conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), he said that the world is living in an era of ideas which promotes uniqueness and no longer focusing on mass scale production. “If you are unique and have good ideas for development then you can sell them. If you don’t possess uniqueness in the product that you promote, then you will fail. So every company, product and individual must harness their uniqueness or they will fail” he advised the gathering.

Further Vice Chancellor impressed upon the importance of research and how it will facilitate in innovation and invention, which is now a pressing need. He has stated that the once revolutionary Computer is now common technology, it is indispensable but it is no longer a novel creation. Thus to expect it to change the world would be futile.

Also Prof. Sampath Amaratunge congratulated and commended CA Sri Lanka’s bold initiative in conducting the research conference and for opening a platform for research based on accounting, which he believes is necessary but is not pursued. He stated that the University of Sri Jayewardenepura will be looking forward to partner with the institute on this regard. And mentioned that the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has also taken steps to promote research and innovation among undergraduate students by establishing an invention, innovation and Business startup council, where students are encouraged to pitch their proposals. The university will in-turn fund the best and the most unique among them.

For any accomplishment to be meaningful, it should be delivered with professional grace. He also highlighted the need for professionals as well as students to continuously develop their soft skills. “I always tell my graduates to be humble. Soft skills are the most important skill one needs. Even when you answer the phone, no matter how busy you are, you must be polite. If you are busy, and cannot say ‘hello’ politely, then don’t answer the phone”.

Prof. Sampath Amaratunge also noted that to change the world one does not need much, but should possess uniqueness and an innovative mindset. He recalled how a Sri Lankan academic, who is also a well-known sitarist, produced millions of worth award winning music within a small area with just a few of his students, an organ and two computers. “This was a massive innovation, and it proves that you don’t need big bands to produce award winning music, but only require the brain, and some machines to make a difference,” he said.

Read original Articles:
Ceylon today : www.ceylontoday.lk
Institute of Charted Accountancy : www.casrilanka.com/casl