News
Sri Lanka Alumni Meet-Up in Colombo
5 August 2024
The GRÓ GEST Sri Lanka alumni have held their first-ever meetup in Colombo. This gathering, characterized by a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking enthusiasm, marks a significant step in strengthening the GRÓ GEST alumni network in the region.
GRÓ GEST boasts a vibrant alumni community of 241 fellows from 38 countries. The recent meetup in Colombo signals the Sri Lankan alumni’s commitment to maintaining a robust post-graduation connection and ignite a spirit of collaboration.
The Sri Lanka alumni convened to reconnect and share their experiences from their time in Iceland, discussing the insights gained from the GRÓ GEST programme, reflecting on Icelandic life and its impact on their professional trajectories. The gathering was not merely a reunion but a platform for meaningful exchange and potential collaboration. Five of seven existing alumni from four different cohorts discussed their current work, challenges, and strategies, offering each other support and advice.
From left: Saahithiyanan Ganeshanathan (2023), Priskila Arulpragasam (2023), Sandani Abeywardena (2022),
Nadhiya Najab (2020), Mihitha Basnayake (2024).
Nadhiya Najab (2020), Mihitha Basnayake (2024).
One of the significant outcomes of the meetup was the unanimous agreement on the importance of sustaining this engagement. The alumni expressed a keen interest in making these meetups a regular occurrence, fostering a continuous and supportive community. Furthermore, there was a palpable excitement about initiating a local project together, leveraging their collective expertise to advance gender equality in Sri Lanka.
The GRÓ GEST Alumni Strategy, a vital component of the broader GRÓ GEST Strategy 2023-2027, aims precisely at such outcomes. It emphasizes the creation of a Global GEST Alumni Network, facilitating continuous learning, collaboration, and community building among alumni. The Colombo meetup reflects the alumni strategy in fostering a sustainable and impactful alumni network.
As the Sri Lanka alumni continue to navigate their professional spaces, they draw strength and knowledge from each other, embodying the spirit of the GRÓ GEST mission. The GRÓ GEST community eagerly awaits the innovative initiatives that will emerge from this dynamic group of change agents.
For more updates on alumni activities and initiatives, stay tuned to the GRÓ GEST website.