The academic year 2023/24 marked a vibrant and impactful period for the Association of Computing & Information Systems Students (ACISS) of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Through a series of thoughtfully organized events, workshops, and industry engagements, ACISS continued its mission of empowering students with practical knowledge, professional exposure, and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
ACISS commenced its activities with Step into the Industry, held virtually on 24th July 2025. The session featured Mr. Pranama Munasinghe, a distinguished industry professional serving as Director of Inovint Web Holdings, Director of Trivet Technologies, and Founder of Magazine.lk, who shared valuable insights into career growth, innovation, and the rapidly evolving IT industry. In addition to the keynote session, a CV writing session was also conducted, giving students practical guidance on preparing professional and effective resumes aligned with current industry expectations. Together, these sessions helped students better understand the demands of the professional world and inspired them to prepare themselves for future opportunities.
Building on this momentum, students next participated in Disrupt Asia 2025 on 19th September 2025, a premier platform showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies. Through keynote speeches, startup pitches, workshops, and networking sessions, participants gained valuable exposure to industry trends and entrepreneurial thinking, broadening their understanding of Sri Lanka’s growing digital ecosystem.
Continuing its focus on career readiness, ACISS organized Step into the Industry 2.0 on 22nd October 2025. This second phase of the series provided deeper insights into industry expectations, with particular emphasis on AI-driven career opportunities and essential skill development. Led by Mr. Thilina Yapa Bandara, Associate Principal Consultant at Nagarro (Pvt) Ltd, the session offered practical guidance and motivated students to cultivate the competencies required to thrive in an increasingly competitive professional landscape.
Further strengthening the bridge between academia and industry, ACISS organized a valuable field visit in collaboration with SLASSCOM to the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) and Virtusa (Pvt) Ltd on 28th October 2025. This visit provided students with firsthand exposure to corporate environments and professional workplace culture. Interactive sessions, including those conducted by Wiley, enhanced students’ awareness of teamwork, professional growth pathways, and real-world problem-solving.
Expanding this industry exposure, students also participated in a field visit to SimCentric Technologies on 18th December 2025. The visit offered an opportunity to explore advanced software and simulation technologies while gaining insights into agile development practices, system design, and industry expectations. Such experiences played an important role in preparing students for the transition from academia to professional careers.
Adding a dynamic and recreational dimension to the academic year, ACISS successfully hosted WayaOASIS – Annual Game Zone 2025 on 30th December 2025. This highly anticipated event brought together students from across faculties for a day of excitement, competition, and entertainment. Featuring popular games such as Call of Duty, Forza Horizon 5, Mortal Kombat, and immersive VR experiences, the event fostered teamwork, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Beyond competition, it also provided students with a platform to relax, connect, and celebrate shared interests.
One of the latest highlights of the year was the Interactive Blockchain Fundamentals Workshop, conducted in collaboration with Binance Academy on 21st March 2026 at the Mini Auditorium of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Led by Mr. Dilip Ishara Abeysinghe, South Asia Marketing Associate at Binance and his team, introduced students to the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology. Combining theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, the session created an engaging learning environment and inspired students to explore the transformative potential of decentralized technologies.
The success of these initiatives was made possible through the continuous guidance and encouragement of the academic staff of the Department of Computing & Information Systems, including Prof. V. G. T. N. Vidanagama, Senior Treasurer of ACISS and Associate Professor of the Department of Computing & Information Systems, Mrs. R. P. T. H. Gunasekara, Senior Committee Member of ACISS and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Computing & Information Systems and Mr. T. Arudchelvam, Head of the Department of Computing & Information Systems, whose support played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of each event. The contributions of other academic and non-academic staff, together with the dedication of ACISS committee members, were instrumental in delivering these impactful experiences.
Collectively, these events reflect ACISS’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing industry engagement, and supporting holistic student development. By creating platforms that integrate academic learning with real-world applications, ACISS continues to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
As the academic year concludes, these initiatives stand as a testament to the society’s vision of shaping future-ready graduates who are not only academically competent but also industry-aware, innovative, and inspired to make meaningful contributions to the digital era.
