Graduation Ceremony of CIRP, Colombo Institute of Research & Psychology was held in a spectacular manner on 1st March 2025 at the Empire Ball room of Mount Lavinia hotel, where 264 students were awarded with their respective degrees. Grandaunts who had completed their Foundation, Diploma and Bachelor’s degree programs in Psychology during last year celebrated their academic achievements, sharing their joy and excitement with family members and friends.
While students walked to the stage with the happiness of having achieved a significant milestone in their life, parents watched them with pride and content of having supported their children to achieve success.
CIRP graduation ceremonies are known for its elegance and splendor and CIRP held to its legacy by organizing yet another magnificent event this time as well. Graduates, family and friends of grandaunts, well-wishers and special invitees had the opportunity of witnessing an event where centuries long traditions of academia blended with the modern means of celebrating achievements.
Event commenced with the grandaunts entering the graduation hall in a ceremonial procession preceded by the university emblem and the flags carried by the fellow students. Then the CIRP choir entered the hall dressed university choir cassocks adding more color to the vibrant event. Academic staff arrived at the hall dressed in academic gowns representing their stature and qualifications, preceded by the traditional medal board, a characteristic feature of CIRP graduations. Latter part of the academic procession included the senior academic staff who followed the mace carried by the mace bearer.
Graduation ceremony started with the National anthem being sung by the choir and the Dean of CIRP, Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe declaring the graduation ceremony open for granting awards. Several senior members of the governing council of CIRP including Mr.Kiron Sheoy, Prof.Anil Goonathilake, Prof. David Winter and Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe conferred the degreed to the grandaunts. Prof. David Winter, the Director of Postgraduate studies of CIRP delivered the graduation speech.
The start attraction of the ceremony was the awarding of medals and plaques in recognition of exceptional achievements. Ten students received Gold medals for best academic performance in their respective qualifications, two students were granted the plaques for best undergraduate research projects in their BSc (Hons) Psychology and five students were awarded special recognition awards for their contribution to the community. Pinnacle of the event was the awarding of the most outstanding student of the year and Sheeny Ranmuni was honored with this title at this graduation. Medals and plaques were awarded by Dr.Darshan Perera, the Chair of the Governing Council.
Azmiya Ameen who graduated with BSc (Hons) in Psychology and received two gold medals addressed the gathering on behalf of the graduating students, sharing her experiences at CIRP and her journey in psychology. CIRP choir then performed “The Fight Song” by Rachel Platten in respect of the hard work and commitment of the students.
Dr. Darshan Perera addressed the gathering congratulating the students and giving few last advice to the graduating students in progressing in their careers and developing psychology and mental health in Sri Lanka. With Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe, declaring that the conferring of the awards has now been completed, the mace was removed, and the academic staff left the graduation hall marking the end of this glamorous event.
Though the official event came to an end, we could see the students and family members were spending time sharing their excitement and taking photographs to create as much visual evidence as possible to remember this grand and graceful event.
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