Today, as an Executive – Research & Development at CIC Holdings PLC, I have the privilege of turning knowledge into impact. Every field visit, every research study, every product we develop, and every solution we take to farmers reminds me how powerful education can be when it is paired with passion. My role allows me to contribute to innovations in agrochemicals, support farmer focused research, and be a part of meaningful improvements in the agricultural landscape.
The foundation I received from the faculty empowers me daily to think boldly, work with purpose, and rise to new challenges in the industry.

The Industrial Placement Office plays a major role in shaping students’ professional journeys. Through IPO coordination, I completed my internship at the Environment Management Department of Board of Investment (BOI) Katunayake, where I gained hands-on industry exposure. The IPO effectively bridges academic learning with industry opportunities, preparing students for successful careers. This experience supported my transition into my current role and I feel grateful to have gained these experiences as an undergraduate, giving me the extra power to build my own pathway in the field of Agriculture.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Industrial Placement Office (IPO) at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna. It was through their support that I landed an internship at FECT, a research organization working across the US, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
That placement was a total turning point for me. It wasn't just about the research; I got a real behind-the-scenes look at how administration, finance, and legal teams actually function. I walked away with a massive amount of practical knowledge that you just can't get from a textbook.
When I started my first ``real`` job, I used those exact skills to hit the ground running and prove my value. To this day, I still rely on the experience I gained during those months. It was a fantastic opportunity, and I can’t thank the IPO enough for opening that door for me.

The Industrial Placement Office (IPO) of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, played a key role in successfully arranging my industrial training according to my preferences and managing the program efficiently. I am grateful for their continuous guidance and support. My training at PGRC was a highly valuable experience, providing hands-on exposure to laboratory equipment and practical skills beyond my undergraduate curriculum. The professional and supportive working environment greatly enhanced my learning. This internship strengthened my interest in plant sciences and motivated me to pursue further academic and professional growth in the field.

The Industrial Placement Office significantly contributed to my professional development through effective internship coordination and continuous guidance. I was placed at Hayleys Eco Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. (Toyo Cushion Lanka) as a Quality Assurance Intern, gaining valuable industry exposure aligned with my academic background. This experience strengthened my understanding of quality assurance systems, parameters, and documentation through hands-on learning. I sincerely appreciate the IPO’s dedication to connecting academic knowledge with real-world industry practices.

The Industrial Placement Office played a key role in coordinating my internship and guiding me throughout the process. Through the IPO, I was placed at the Tea Research Institute, where I gained valuable industry exposure relevant to my degree, which later helped me secure my position as an Agronomist at Jagro (Pvt) Ltd. I sincerely appreciate the IPO’s continuous support in connecting academic learning with real-world career opportunities.

My industrial training at Naresuan University, Thailand, was an exceptional platform for professional growth, and I sincerely thank the Industrial Placement Office for their excellent coordination and support. I engaged in a research project on predicting crack formation in rice grains using machine learning, which enhanced my technical and analytical skills. Field visits to large-scale strawberry and lettuce cultivation further expanded my understanding of climate-smart agricultural practices. This experience strengthened my research competencies, professional network, and career development in agricultural technology.

The Industrial Placement Office played a vital role in my professional development through effective internship coordination, continuous guidance, and timely support. Their assistance ensured a well-structured placement at the Environment Department, Board of Investment – Katunayake, where I gained hands-on experience in key environmental management areas. The mentorship provided by the IPO helped me understand the practical integration of industry and sustainability.
This experience shaped my career path and led me to my current role as a Sustainability Executive in the Tourism and Hospitality sector.