The John Keells Group Transportation Sector proudly marks 19 years of impactful collaboration with the Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering (TM&LE) at the University of Moratuwa, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to human capital development in Sri Lanka’s transportation and logistics industries.
Initiated in 2006, this strategic partnership goes beyond financial assistance—it is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and equip the next generation of industry leaders to face the modern challenges in the fields of Aviation, Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Public Transportation. Whilst the scholarship programme is a great boon to the undergraduates, not only supporting their tertiary studies but also facilitating a host of attractive career choices, it also helps develop a much needed resource base of professionals for the country’s growing transportation industry. Through a combination of merit and need-based scholarships, customised English language and communication training conducted by the Group’s CSR entity, John Keells Foundation, and a structured mentoring programme offering hands-on internships and industrial placements, students gain the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to thrive in the industry.
The culmination of this year’s programme was celebrated at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, bringing together senior leaders from the John Keells Group, students, faculty, and key industry stakeholders. The event honoured the outstanding achievements of the students through certificates and awards, while heartfelt testimonials from both students and facilitators underscored the transformative impact of this initiative.
Speaking at the event, Zafir Hashim, President – Transportation and Plantation Sectors, John Keells Group, emphasized the importance of investing in the future of Sri Lanka’s transportation sector. “We are proud to celebrate yet another year of nurturing the bright young minds from the University of Moratuwa, who will play a critical role in shaping the country’s transportation and logistics landscape—key drivers of economic growth and national development. For nearly two decades, we have been committed to supporting these deserving individuals, enabling them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”
Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR, John Keells Group added, “Sri Lanka has been through the most unprecedented times of its history. Young leaders such as yourselves represent the knowledge, talent and potential that can take our nation forward. The John Keells Group is deeply committed to and is invested in empowering Sri Lanka’s future workforce. As we celebrate this 19-year partnership between the John Keells Group and the University of Moratuwa and their joint investment on this programme, the best return will be for each of you students to use your knowledge, skills and expertise to serve the country and the industry through your utmost commitment and contribution.”
To date, the programme has awarded approximately 290 scholarships and provided approximately 1,000 students with English language communication skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the corporate world. Furthermore, many students have secured internships and career placements within the John Keells Group’s Transportation Sector companies, including John Keells Logistics, Lanka Marine Services and South Asia Gateway Terminals—leaders in ports, shipping, and integrated logistics.
As the John Keells Group continues to drive excellence and innovation in the transportation and logistics industry, this enduring partnership with the University of Moratuwa stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s workforce.
John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), is the largest company in terms of market capitalization listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 80+ companies in seven diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John Keells Group provides careers to over 15,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for 19 years by LMD magazine. John Keells Holdings PLC was ranked first for four consecutive years in the ‘Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment’ by Transparency International Sri Lanka. Whilst being a full member of the World Economic Forum and a participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through the John Keells Foundation and the social entrepreneurship initiative ‘Plasticcycle,’ which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.
