Marking the continuation of a dynamic partnership between academia and industry, the Department of Marketing Management (DMM) at the University of Kelaniya successfully inaugurated the fourth phase of its “Retail Marketing Collaborative Project” in collaboration with Keells. Held on 29th April 2026 from 3:00 PM onwards at the Faculty Auditorium, the event brought together students, academics, and industry professionals to celebrate the launch of a programme that has consistently shaped future-ready marketing talent.

The ceremony was attended by Ms Bimali Wijesundara, Acting Head of the Department, along with distinguished members of the academic staff. Adding further significance to the occasion, Mr Charitha Subasinghe, President – Retail Sector at John Keells Holdings PLC, graced the event as the Guest of Honour alongside the Keells team.

Opening the ceremony, Mr Theja Bandara delivered a warm and engaging welcome address, setting the stage for an evening centred on innovation, collaboration, and student growth. The audience was then taken through a compelling showcase of past experiences, where success stories and key takeaways from previous batches highlighted the real-world impact of the programme.

In his remarks, Prof. Ravi Dissanayake drew attention to the rapidly evolving nature of the retail landscape, emphasizing the need for students to be adaptable, digitally aware, and customer-focused. He highlighted how this initiative encourages students to think critically, work in teams, and apply modern marketing concepts in real business environments.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Keells, Mr Sashi Ratnayake focused on the importance of agility and innovation in today’s competitive retail sector. He encouraged students to embrace challenges, learn from on-ground experiences, and develop a problem-solving mindset aligned with industry expectations. He also noted that such collaborations play a vital role in shaping graduates who are ready to contribute from day one.

The event also featured a moment of appreciation, during which a commemorative token was presented to the Keells team in recognition of their ongoing partnership and invaluable contribution to the programme. As the ceremony drew to a close, a vote of thanks was delivered on behalf of the organizing committee, acknowledging the collective efforts behind the successful execution of the event.

More than just an inauguration, the occasion symbolized the beginning of another transformative journey, one that equips undergraduates with the skills, confidence, and industry exposure needed to thrive in the evolving world of retail marketing.