The FOUNTAIN project recently hosted an engaging and insightful Training Workshop on the Implementation of the Newly Developed Internship Program at gapHQ, Colombo on February 21, 2025. The event was a part of WP4-T4.3 (Work Package 4, Task 3), which focuses on enhancing university-industry collaborations and strengthening the internship program curriculum. The workshop successfully brought together industry professionals, academic leaders, and university representatives to foster discussion and provide hands-on training for implementing the new internship curricula

The workshop, attended by key stakeholders from local and international educational institutions, featured a packed agenda designed to guide universities and industry partners on effectively implementing internship programs. The morning started with a formal registration process and the distribution of meeting materials.

The welcome speech was delivered by Prof. M.H.J.P. Gunarathna, who highlighted the significance of the FOUNTAIN project in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Dr. Chamila Wijekoon followed with an introduction to the FOUNTAIN project, outlining its goals, methodologies, and collaborative efforts between universities and industries across five countries.

The program then moved into a detailed session on the newly developed internship curricula program, presented by Dr. P.D. Kahandage and Dr. S.M.C.B. Karalliyadda. They introduced the industry notebook, a key component designed to help students gain hands-on experience while maintaining a record of their learning progress.

Afterward, the session shifted to discuss the expectations of universities and industry partners in the internship program. Senior Prof. R.U. Halwathura led this session, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual benefit between the two sectors for successful internship experiences. A session on industrial experience in internships was conducted by Mr. K.A.N.P. Kanugala, the General Manager of Operations at Serendipol Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka. Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake shared valuable insights that greatly enriched the workshop.

A special highlight was the international experience shared by experts on the implementation of internship programs:

•  Dr. Phisut Apichayakul discussed the implementation of internship programs in Thailand universities.
•  Mr. Manjula N.U. Don shared valuable insights on how internship programs are structured in Australian universities.
• Prof. Emlyn David Qivitoq Witt provided an overview of the experience in implementing internship Programs in European Universities.
• An open discussion and Q&A session, moderated by Dr. S.M.C.B. Karalliyadda, followed, allowing participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback.

The day concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S.M.C.B. Karalliyadda, thanking all participants, speakers, and contributors for their valuable time and input. Last but not least, Ms. Sadeesha Senanayaka performed an outstanding role as the compere.

This workshop was a critical step in the FOUNTAIN project’s mission to enhance the quality and effectiveness of internship programs for university undergraduates, ensuring they gain practical industry experience while contributing meaningfully to their respective industries.