The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) Alumni Association officially launched on January 27, 2026, with a landmark inauguration ceremony at the OUSL Auditorium in Nawala, Nugegoda. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era in alumni engagement for the national university, establishing a formal platform for graduates to maintain connections and contribute to their alma mater's continued growth.
Leadership Appointment and Vision
During the inaugural meeting, Krisantha Nissanka, a distinguished Attorney-at-Law and prominent OUSL alumnus, was unanimously appointed as the Association's first President. Nissanka's extensive background in education and legal practice positions him ideally to lead this groundbreaking initiative. His appointment signals the Association's commitment to bringing experienced leadership to guide alumni engagement strategies and foster meaningful connections between graduates across various disciplines and graduation years.
The selection of Nissanka reflects the Association's strategic approach to leadership, prioritizing individuals with demonstrated expertise in both professional practice and educational advocacy. His legal background provides valuable insights into organizational governance, while his alumni status ensures authentic understanding of the OUSL experience and graduate needs.
OUSL Alumni Association Inauguration Details
The January 27 ceremony at the OUSL Auditorium brought together graduates, faculty members, university administrators, and distinguished guests to witness this milestone moment. The Nawala, Nugegoda venue, serving as the university's primary ceremonial space, provided an appropriate setting for launching this significant alumni initiative. The formal inauguration included presentations outlining the Association's objectives, membership structure, and planned activities for fostering ongoing alumni engagement.
University officials emphasized the importance of establishing strong alumni networks to support current students, enhance institutional reputation, and create opportunities for professional networking among graduates. The inauguration ceremony featured speeches from university leadership, founding members, and newly appointed officers, highlighting the collaborative effort required to build a successful alumni organization.
Strategic Importance for OUSL
The establishment of the OUSL Alumni Association represents a crucial development for Sri Lanka's premier distance learning institution. Alumni associations play vital roles in university ecosystems, providing networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and financial support for institutional development. For OUSL, known for its innovative approach to accessible higher education, the Alumni Association creates new avenues for maintaining graduate connections and leveraging their professional expertise.
This initiative aligns with global best practices in higher education, where strong alumni networks contribute significantly to university rankings, student placement rates, and research collaboration opportunities. The Association is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing between graduates working in diverse sectors, potentially creating synergies that benefit both individual members and the broader OUSL community.
Future Plans and Objectives
Under President Nissanka's leadership, the OUSL Alumni Association aims to develop comprehensive programs supporting both recent graduates and established professionals. Planned initiatives include career development workshops, networking events, mentorship programs connecting senior alumni with recent graduates, and collaborative projects that showcase OUSL's impact across various industries.
The Association also plans to establish regional chapters, recognizing that OUSL's distance learning model attracts students from across Sri Lanka and internationally. These regional networks will enable localized activities while maintaining connection to the central organization, ensuring broad participation regardless of geographic location.
Impact on Higher Education in Sri Lanka
The OUSL Alumni Association inauguration reflects broader trends in Sri Lankan higher education toward strengthening industry-academia linkages. As the country's leading distance education provider, OUSL has produced graduates working in diverse sectors, from technology and healthcare to education and public service. The Alumni Association provides a mechanism for harnessing this distributed expertise for mutual benefit.
This development may inspire similar initiatives at other Sri Lankan universities, potentially elevating the overall standard of alumni engagement across the higher education sector. The success of the OUSL Alumni Association could serve as a model for other institutions seeking to strengthen their graduate networks and enhance their contribution to national development.
Looking Ahead
The January 27, 2026 inauguration at the OUSL Auditorium in Nugegoda marks just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative initiative for OUSL and its graduates. With Attorney-at-Law Krisantha Nissanka at the helm, the Association is well-positioned to build meaningful connections among alumni while supporting the university's mission of providing accessible, quality higher education.
As the Association develops its programs and expands its membership, it will likely play an increasingly important role in OUSL's strategic development and Sri Lanka's broader educational landscape. The successful launch demonstrates the commitment of OUSL graduates to maintaining their connection with the institution and contributing to its continued success in serving the nation's educational needs.