ASCEND’26 – Rise Beyond Limits

The Faculty of Management and Social Sciences at CINEC Campus proudly hosted ASCEND’26 – “Rise Beyond Limits,” an initiative organized in recognition of Disability Pride Month, celebrated globally each July. The event brought together corporate leaders, HR professionals, academics, and undergraduates to promote meaningful dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion while recognizing differently-abled individuals as equal contributors to society.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the principle of “Leave No One Behind,” ASCEND’26 reaffirmed the importance of creating inclusive environments that ensure equal opportunity, dignity, and access for all.

The highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion featuring distinguished industry leaders:

• Mr. Kamal Geeganage – Director & Chief Executive Officer, CBL Foods International (Pvt) Ltd.
• Mr. Nithila Talgaswatte – Chief Executive Officer, John Keells Stockbrokers.
• Ms. Amanthi Perera – Head of Group Sustainable Business, MAS Holdings.
• Mr. Prajesh Dayarathne – Head of Corporate Learning, Sampath Bank PLC.
• Mr. Chethiya Subasinghe – Manager – Administration, Omega Line Group of Companies.
• Ms. Manique Gunaratne – Manager – Specialized Training & Disability Resource Centre, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon.

The discussion was expertly moderated by Mr. Manuja Ariyapperuma, Senior Lecturer, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.

The occasion was graced by Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, Senior Consultant, CINEC Campus; Dr. Ajith Madurapperuma, Consultant – Academic Affairs and Research, CINEC Campus; and Professor Pradeep Dharmadasa, Associate Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, CINEC Campus. The event was also attended by Heads of Department, academic and non-academic staff, and undergraduates of the BMgt (Hons) in Business Administration and BMgt (Hons) in Human Resource Management degree programmes.

The Faculty extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished panelists and their respective organizations for generously sharing their expertise, experiences, and valuable industry insights. Appreciation awards were presented in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the success of ASCEND’26 and their continued commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within Sri Lanka’s corporate sector.

ASCEND’26 reaffirmed that true progress is achieved when every individual is empowered to contribute, ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we rise beyond limits.