Every year, convocations world-over celebrate the achievements of graduating classes and present unto them the accolade of their hard work. The graduating class of 2020 understands this truth more than most, as they battled unprecedented challenges to the completion of their undergraduate degrees, on account of the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC) pays tribute to their dignified and unsullied fortitude. These graduates pay credence to the words of Virgil; ‘Come what may, all bad fortune is to be conquered by endurance’. In enduring, they indeed chose themselves.
The 23rd Annual Convocation Ceremony of RIC was held recently at the BMICH. The convocation proceeding was held for 113 LLB and LLM graduands, 97 BSc. Graduates, 48 Certificate of Higher Education in Social Science (CHESS) Recipients/ Diplomats of the University of London (UoL) programmes and 24 students from Deakin University’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme.
Leading the Procession
Addressing the eminent gathering of the graduands, parents and esteemed dignitaries, Dr. Nirodha Bandara – the Academic Director in her welcome note applauded the hard work and determination of students in completing their studies. The graduation ceremony witnessed the presence of Justice A. H. M. D Nawaz, Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest for the Law session and Deshamanya Prof. Emeritus W. D. Lakshman, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest for the Economics, Management, Finance and Social Science (EMFSS) session.
Chief Guest – Justice A. H. M. D Nawaz, in his convocation address, shared his unique words of wisdom with the budding lawyers and attorneys of the future and emphasised the need to engage in lifelong learning. Likewise, Prof. Emeritus W. D. Lakshman shed light on RIC’s journey as a pioneer institute with humble beginnings, to becoming a world-class education provider with strong international affiliations in the present day. While congratulating the new graduates, the Central Bank Governor reminded them of their role in shaping the future of the nation.
Recognising the remarkable RIC Achievers
The occasion witnessed the high spirit of the students as they graduated with flying colours. Among this year’s graduating batch, 5 law students received Certificates of Excellence; 3 law students received Level 4 Achievement Award; 5 BSc/CHESS students received Three Country Prizes (the highest performer in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India); 11 BSc/CHESS students received the Letter of Commendation and 5 best performers for the Academic Achievement Award on their degree/diploma programme. Moreover, 13 brilliant EMFSS students were the recipients of the Highest Marks Worldwide Award. This year, a new ‘Special Topper Award’ was introduced to honour 5 students who scored the highest marks in Mathematics globally. Nethma Atapattu – a BSc. Economics and Finance student was the RIC Valedictorian 2021. This year’s Student of the Year award was presented to Aysha Sameeha Siddeek – an LLB student at RIC.
Virtual Messages from the Overseas Academic Dignitaries
This year, the convocation ceremony was attended virtually by the esteemed dignitaries of the UoL and Deakin University. Rev’d. Simon Askey – Dean, Undergraduate Laws of the UoL and Prof. Mary Stiasny, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the UoL International Programmes expressed their heartiest congratulations to the graduands. Dr. James Abdey – Assistant Professorial Lecturer at the LSE also congratulated students on their graduation from the institution that shares a long-standing history of 30 years with the LSE and is one of LSE’s top-performing teaching centres around the world.
Special Remarks from the Chairman
G.T. Bandara – the Chairman of RIC in his special address emphasised the importance of taking control of one’s own life while moving ahead in the new era of personal freedom. Bandara highlighted the need for one’s determination to succeed despite the countless futile efforts that one may encounter along the way. He concluded with a note of best wishes to the graduating batch of 2020 with a word of advice for the students: “Set the right goals that align with your personal values and continue to provide long-term results. Find the passion that provides you with the opportunity to improve the lives of others.”