Webinar on “Career Prospects for Veterinary Graduates; National and International Perspectives”
This webinar was organized by the Oceania Chapter of VAAP and was held on 28th February 2022 at 12.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time. The target group was the first- and second-year veterinary students of the Faculty. The speakers were Dr. Chanaka Rabel and Dr. Rasika Kumarasingha, and the moderators were Dr. Oswin Parera and Dr. Neil Horadagoda. There were over 125 participants.
VAAP Special Meeting of the Executive Committee with Alumni in the United Kingdom
The third special meeting of the Executive Committee was held virtually on 13th February 2022 with the participation of eight alumni who are resident in the UK. A presentation was made by the President on the background, objectives and activities conducted since the inauguration of VAAP. This was followed by a discussion on the activities for forming an Overseas Chapter of alumni in the UK and Europe, which included
- Contacting more alumni living in the UK and European countries and encouraging them to join VAAP
- Establishing a database of expertise of alumni who can assist in the teaching and training programmes through conduct of webinars, on-line lectures and related activities
- Raising funds to assist the Faculty with equipment and materials, and for awarding bursaries to students
- Providing information on post-graduate opportunities, internships and exchange programmes
- Dr. Tharangani Herath, Prof. Ayona Silva-Fletcher and Dr. Saman Withanage agreed to be the co-ordinators for the above activities.
Webinar for final year veterinary students
Webinar on career guidance for final year veterinary students on ‘Finding your inner spark’ presented by Dr. Kalhari Bandara (Canada) and Dr. Bhagya Kulasooriya (USA).
VAAP – Second Special Meeting of the Executive Committee with Alumni in North America
The second special meeting of the Executive Committee of VAAP was held virtually on 25th September 2021, with the participation of 32 alumni who are resident in Canada and the USA. The meeting commenced with a self-introduction by all, and a presentation by the President on the background, objectives and activities conducted by VAAP over the past 2 years. This was followed by a very active discussion on the procedures through which foreign alumni can contribute effectively towards achieving the objectives. These included the following:
Sharing information on post-graduate training, research studentships and other opportunities available for our graduates;
- Providing information for a directory of alumni from USA and Canada with their expertise and experience;
- Conducting webinars and on-line lectures to share expertise on specific topics;
- Participating in discussions with the Faculty to provide advice on the teaching, training and evaluation programmes;
- Assisting with the membership drive by contacting and informing other alumni;
- Exploring the possibility of forming an Overseas Chapter for Australia and New Zealand.
The Focal Points of contact for alumni in the two countries and for liaison with VAAP will be: Canada – Dr. Aruna Ambagala and Dr. Manju Wijekoon; USA held on 8th October 2021 Prof. Subashinie Kariyawasam and Dr. Priyantha Gunawardana.
It was decided to have the next virtual meeting on 19th December 2021 (Sunday).
VAAP Special Meeting of the Executive Committee with Alumni in Australia and New Zealand
A special meeting of the Executive Committee of VAAP was held virtually on 28 August 2021, with the participation of several alumni who are resident in Australia and New Zealand. The meeting commenced with a briefing on the background, objectives and activities conducted by VAAP over the past 2 years. This was followed by a discussion on the procedures through which foreign alumni can contribute effectively towards achieving the objectives, which included the following:
• Contacting other alumni in their countries and assisting them with becoming members of VAAP
• Sharing information with the Faculty on post-graduate training, research studentships and other opportunities available for our graduates
• Conducting webinars and on-line lectures to share expertise on specific topics
• Participating in discussions with the Faculty to provide advice on the teaching, training and evaluation programmes
• Contributing to the two funds that have been already established: the Needy Students Fund and the COVID Emergency Assistance Fund
• Establishing scholarships in defined areas
• Forming a Foreign Chapter for Australia and New Zealand
The coordinators for the above activities will be Dr. Neil Horadagoda and Dr. Rasika Kumarasinghe in Australia, and Dr. Sagara Kumara in New Zealand. It was decided to have the next virtual meeting after 3 months, at the end of November 2021.
Address
General Secretary, VAAP
c/o Office of the Dean
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya
Sri Lanka
Call Us
+94 711972458
Email Us
vaap@vet.pdn.ac.lk