Centre for Gender Equity & Equality -University of Vocational Technology

🎉 OFFICIAL OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉

The University of Vocational Technology (UoVT) is proud to announce the Official Opening of the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) — a significant milestone in our commitment to building a safe, inclusive, respectful, and empowering university environment for all.

We are honoured to ceremonially open the Centre in the gracious presence of Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on:

📅 Tuesday, 26 May 2026

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) has been established to promote gender equity, equality, dignity, and social justice within the UoVT community.

Through this Centre, UoVT aims to provide:

✅ Counselling and support services for students and staff
✅ Gender awareness and capacity-building programmes
✅ Policy development and institutional guidance
✅ Research, advocacy, and gender audits
✅ A stronger culture of inclusion, respect, and zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment

This marks an important step forward in creating a university where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

💙 Together, we build a university where everyone belongs.

📢 Appointment at the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE)
University of Vocational Technology (UoVT)

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) of the University of Vocational Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Malkanthi Thenabadu as its first Director.

She officially received her letter of appointment from Prof. K.M.G. Prasanna Premadasa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology.

Ms. Thenabadu currently serves as a Senior Lecturer (Grade I) attached to the Department of Agriculture and Food Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technology, UoVT. She also serves as a Senior Student Counsellor, contributing significantly to student welfare and academic development.

We warmly congratulate Ms. Thenabadu and wish her success in leading CGEE towards fostering an inclusive and equitable university environment.

International Women’s Day 2026 – UoVT 🌸

The Centre for Gender Equity and Equality (CGEE) of the University of Vocational Technology successfully organized a session on “Ayurveda and Women’s Health” on 13 March 2026 at the Mini Auditorium, in commemoration of International Women’s Day – 2026.
The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Ms. T.K. Malwatta, Chair of the Deans’ Committee.
The gathering was addressed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. M. G. Prasanna Premadasa, who highlighted the importance of promoting women’s wellbeing and gender equity within the university community.
The session was conducted by Dr. (Ms.) R.M.C.T.K. Rathnayake and Dr. Gunasiri Wijerathna, who shared valuable insights on women’s health and Ayurvedic approaches to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Director of the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality.

The event brought together staff and participants in a meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the university’s commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and a supportive environment for all.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the resource persons, organizing team, and all participants who contributed to making this event a success.

📸 Glimpses from the event are shared below.