• Education expo and job fair to be held in Colombo and Kandy

Higher education and career guidance are more important than ever as youth face a lot of fear and uncertainty regarding their futures, mainly due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. In such a context, the EDEX Expo is timely and also crucial, providing youth with the ideal platform to explore their options and connect with educational and professional bodies. EDEX Expo 2023 will take place in Colombo from 24-26 February at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) and in Kandy on 4 and 5 March at the Kandy City Centre (KCC).

EDEX Expo has made a name for itself as a leading higher education expo and job fair in Sri Lanka over the past two decades. The 2023 event will be the 19th edition and aims at achieving its promise of empowering Sri Lankan youth to be globally competitive.

EDEX Expo 2023

According to the organisers, EDEX Expo 2023 will feature a vast array of higher educational institutes, both local and international, which includes representation from Australia, Japan, France, Dubai, Pakistan, and India. There will be over 1,000 scholarships and other benefits offered at the event.

EDEX Expo 2023 will also include a job fair, with representatives from many of Sri Lanka’s leading corporates offering on-site interviews and immediate recruitment opportunities. A statement issued by the organisers notes that EDEX Careers will offer psychometric testing facilities conducted by industry experts for both students and job seekers of all ages. This will help them determine the best career paths for them. In addition to this, the event will include career seminars conducted by leading professionals and subject experts, covering key trending topics.

An exciting highlight of EDEX Expo 2023 is the launch of the Entrepreneurs Club, which will take place parallel to the event. It is being launched with a vision of bridging a critical gap in Sri Lankan society, bringing together budding entrepreneurs from all across the country.

Other unique features at the event include a gaming zone, a sustainability quiz competition, EDEX Sithuwan Art Competition awards, and the Nanepahana stall, where attendees can donate books that will be sent to rural schools across the island.

Organisers

Launched in 2004, EDEX Expo is an initiative facilitated by the Royal College Union (RCU). Addressing a gathering held last week, Royal College Union Secretary Colonel Dr. Hiran Wimalaratne shared that since its inception, EDEX has become a household name and a globally renowned education expo in empowering and guiding local youth by connecting them with educational institutions around the globe.

“A countless number of students have benefited from the iconic event over the years. EDEX Expo 2023 will showcase both local and foreign universities, vocational training and skills development institutions, and professional institutions. EDEX Expo, the largest and most sought education exhibition, is being held during a time when our country is trying to achieve the dream of becoming the knowledge hub of Asia,” Dr. Wimalaratne said.

He added that the Royal College alumni believe that the EDEX Expo could be an ideal platform when going in this direction.

“As in past episodes, EDEX Expo 2023 will provide an ideal platform for the youth of our country to gain information on educational opportunities available both locally and overseas and to map out their career paths in achieving their future aspirations. The job fair associated with the expo this year will also open a window of opportunity for the participants to interact with prospective employers and look for employment most suited to their ambitions and qualifications.”

The RCU Secretary went on to say that the job fair will provide an excellent forum to address the anomaly of unemployment among the educated youth.

“EDEX, which began in 2004 as a school career fair, has transformed into a number one global education and career guidance expo in Sri Lanka over the years due to the untiring and dedicated efforts of the group of volunteers who have managed this thus far,” Dr. Wimalaratne added.

Royal College Principal R.M.M. Rathnayake also took the time to thank all sponsors and partners of the event, saying: “We sincerely appreciate your continuous support in making the expo a reality, and providing students and the Sri Lankan youth with an opportunity to attend this and enhance their options.”

Empowering youth

EDEX Chairman Mahinda Galagedara addressed the audience, talking about the role played by youth in society. “We have a collective responsibility to empower our youth in education, skills development, and training so that the youth are ready and equipped to make a better tomorrow for themselves. The best and foremost way to strengthen the youth is by providing them with education and life skills to face challenges both current and evolving.”

He added that the right kind of education enables youth to have an open mind and reach excellence in their chosen vocation. It also helps them be civic-minded and play a role in sustainability. Galagedara also spoke about the drop in student enrolment in schools as well as the students, teachers, and schools that need help, urging the audience to reach out to them.