A decade ago, in a time when the Sri Lankan youth were lacking in a comprehensive education on career paths, the first Edex Expo was launched. Previously, before the advent of this life changing exhibition, students faced the harsh reality of not knowing what to do with their lives after the release of exam results. Irrespective of the dreams and aspirations a student would have regarding a career, many could not think beyond the traditional professions such as that of doctors, engineers and lawyers. This seriously hindered the development of the country due to the lack of knowledge in new job opportunities and was a serious hindrance to the future development of the country in the international arena.

Thus the first leg of Edex Expo 2014 was held on a grand scale on the 17th, 18th and 19th  of January at the BMICH, Colombo staying true to its vision of ‘Empowering the Sri Lankan youth to be globally competitive’. Drawing over 40,000 participants from all stratas of society, Edex Expo 2014 yet again proved itself to be the largest education exhibition in Sri Lanka with a total of 361 stalls and over 250 local and foreign universities from over 20 countries being present directly or through their local agents enabling youth and their parents to make informed decisions.

The inaugural job fair was endorsed and supported by the chief guest, Mr. Dong Ling Li and the International Labour Organization. It showcased a multitude of job opportunities at leading corporate entities with the intention of providing employment opportunities for people of all qualifications. It offered a range of job opportunities for those who finished their G.C.E (O/L), those who received their G.C.E (A/L) results, undergraduates and graduates. The Job Fair also provided an opportunity for the youth to identify the range of career opportunities available and to plan well for future careers by getting to know when and how to become industry ready, by meeting, discussing and interacting with potential employers. The Job Fair, also supported by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and endorsed by the Employer’s Federation of Ceylon  provided participants with the opportunity to participate in a psychometric test evaluated by experts from the career guidance unit of the Colombo University. The test helped identify the natural strengths and weaknesses of individuals who took the test and provided the foundation towards making better career choices. The participants at the job fair were also educated on how to prepare a CV, how to face an interview and other topics of interest which would no doubt boost the chances of obtaining one’s dream job.

15 state universities were represented with the support of the University Grants Commission and the exhibition was also attended by 250 final year undergraduates from the South Eastern University. Edex Expo 2014 provided the opportunity for the youth of the country to observe and identify suitable vocational training programs with the support of the Vocational Training Authority and the Department of Technical Education and Training. The Green Zone educated the youth on sustainable living and  in order to ensure that both development and protecting the environment went hand in hand thus ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations.

The Colombo Leg of the Edex Expo 2014 has succeeded in forming the link between education and employment. Commenting on this Mr. Kamal Abeysinghe, Chairman of Edex, ‘With the launch of EDEX Job Fair concurrent with EDEX Expo 2014 we complete connecting dots from education to training and employment, comprehensively making it the only exhibition of its kind in Sri Lanka offering unmatched value both to exhibitors and visitors alike’.

The Kandy Leg of EDEX Expo 2014 will be held on the 24th and 25th of January.