Kanimadala – A Cultural Showcase of Talent, Learning, and Vision by CINEC Tourism Undergraduates

At the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences of CINEC Campus, education is not
confined to lecture halls or exam halls. It is a transformative journey where students are
empowered to become leaders, innovators, and ambassadors of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. A
brilliant example of this educational philosophy came alive through Kanimadala, a stage drama
produced and performed by the undergraduates of the BMgt (Hons) Tourism and Hospitality
Management degree program. But Kanimadala was not just a drama—it was a powerful
message. A message that CINEC undergraduates are ready to redefine and elevate the future
of the Tourism and Hospitality industry in Sri Lanka.
With this event, the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences at CINEC Campus proudly
announces the relaunch of its pioneering education model—Education Vertical Integration
(EVI)—specifically targeting the Tourism and Hospitality industry. Originally introduced in
2018, the BMgt (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management was the second program
developed under the EVI concept, aiming to create a seamless link between schools,
universities, and industry to address sectoral needs with precision and agility. Despite its early
promise, the program faced significant challenges due to the unforeseen 2019 Easter bombings
and the global COVID-19 pandemic, both of which severely impacted the tourism sector and
hindered the promotion of the degree. Recognizing the long-term value and strategic
importance of EVI, the Faculty is now set to relaunch this initiative as a three-year project
(2025–2027).
Kanimadala was conceptualized and executed entirely by the students, reflecting their passion
for culture, storytelling, and professionalism. The project aimed to portray how Sri Lanka’s
vibrant culture and traditions can be creatively packaged and presented to global audiences as
unique tourism experiences. This aligns with the broader vision of sustainable tourism
development—one that honors cultural roots while engaging the curiosity of modern travelers.
The storyline of Kanimadala revolves around two Sri Lankan families—one living in a rural
village, grounded in traditional values, and another based in Europe, representing the Sri
Lankan diaspora. As the narrative unfolds, the audience journeys through emotional,
humorous, and thought-provoking scenes that blend folk music, traditional dancing, singing,
and age-old customs. The drama cleverly exposes the beauty of Sri Lankan domestic life, our
rich customs, and the strong values that bind communities together.
From colorful costumes and rhythmic drumming to soulful singing and expressive acting,
Kanimadala brought to the stage the essence of what makes Sri Lanka a compelling tourist
destination. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a cultural statement. It demonstrated how
heritage can be made meaningful to modern audiences and how storytelling can become a tool
to market our nation’s unique identity on a global scale.
An important element of this experience was the students’ holistic approach to event
management and project execution. In preparation for the drama, the students organized a
highly successful food festival named Rasavila. This event served both as a fundraising activity
and as a practical application of their hospitality management knowledge. Through Rasavila,
students gained hands-on experience in culinary presentation, event coordination, budgeting,
customer service, and teamwork—core competencies required in the hospitality industry.
Together, these two major student-led projects—Rasavila and Kanimadala—enabled the
students to practically engage with both tourism and hospitality elements of their academic
program. They successfully translated theoretical knowledge into real-world application,
demonstrating creativity, leadership, and organizational excellence. The dual experience also
helped students understand how interconnected these industries are, and how culture and
hospitality can complement each other to create unforgettable visitor experiences.
A key moment in the event was the ceremonial handover of the official Logbook of the project
to continue it as an annual event. Signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social
Sciences, the Logbook was formally passed down from the senior batch to the junior batch.
This symbolic act represents not only the transfer of knowledge and experience but also the
continuity of commitment and vision that defines the undergraduates of CINEC’s Tourism and
Hospitality Degree program.
The Logbook tradition is more than a formality—it embodies the shared journey of learning,
discovery, and leadership. It serves as a living document that captures the achievements,
aspirations, and milestones of students over the four-year course of study. By handing it over
to the next generation, the seniors reaffirm their belief in the capability of their successors to
carry the torch and take the industry to even greater heights.
The entire event was a celebration of student initiative, creativity, and teamwork. It reflected
the outcomes of a curriculum designed to produce graduates who are not only academically
qualified but also industry ready. At CINEC, we believe in nurturing individuals who are
capable of thinking beyond the classroom, adapting to real-world challenges, and making
meaningful contributions to national development, the Dean of the faculty said.
In today’s competitive global tourism landscape, countries that successfully showcase their
culture and offer authentic experiences stand out. Events like Kanimadala prove that CINEC
undergraduates have the insight, skill, and drive to help position Sri Lanka as a preferred global
destination. These students are the future professionals who will bring innovation and
excellence to the tourism and hospitality sector—not just by managing services, but by curating
experiences that captivate and inspire.
As the term suggests, the EVI strategy will focus on building strong collaborative bridges
among schools, industry stakeholders, and the university community to ensure the creation of
job-ready graduates who meet current and future demands. This effort underscores our
commitment to revitalizing tourism and hospitality in Sri Lanka and reaffirms our leadership
in educational innovation for national development. The Faculty of Management and Social
Sciences takes immense pride in our students’ achievements. Kanimadala and Rasavila are not
the end, but promising beginnings. They show what is possible when young minds are given
the platform to lead, create, and shine. As we look ahead, we are confident that our graduates
will continue to shape the industry, honor our heritage, and carry Sri Lanka’s story to the world.
CINEC-Beyond a “graduate”.