The 'FastTrack' summer internship, introduced by the John Keells Group, makes its return this year, in collaboration with Sysco LABS Sri Lanka and Brandix Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, offering undergraduates a distinctive four-week summer internship experience.
Launched in 2011, FastTrack distinguishes itself by providing participants with an unmatched opportunity to explore the diverse corporate landscape of Sri Lanka.
This approach aims to challenge conventions and attract innovative minds, among Sri Lankan undergraduates both locally and overseas, who might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the signing of the partnership agreement on 2 nd May 2024, Isuru Gunasekera, Chief People Officer & Head of Sustainability, Enterprise Risk Management & Group Initiatives and Executive Vice President of the John Keells Group, said, “At the core of the FastTrack internship
programme lies our objective of nurturing the next generation of corporate leaders in Sri Lanka.
Our mission is to provide the interns a firsthand glimpse into the diverse career pathways that are available to them within the Sri Lankan corporate sector. We're committed to illustrating how companies like ours not only play pivotal roles in bolstering the economy, but also cultivate environments of respect and inclusivity, fuel innovation and sustainable practices, and uplift communities.”
The interns will receive exclusive exposure to the industry sectors of Leisure, Real Estate, Consumer Foods, Retail, Information Technology, Garments and textiles, and Transportation which will allow participants to learn and understand the operations of each sector, first-hand.
Rehan Anthonis, Director of People Operations at Sysco LABS Sri Lanka, expressed, “We’re excited to collaborate with John Keells Group and Brandix on the FastTrack internship programme. Our involvement offers programme participants invaluable insights into the inner workings of tech companies and emphasises the pivotal role innovation plays in growth and
development. We firmly believe in creating pipelines for the future, and this partnership underscores our commitment to nurturing talent and shaping tomorrow’s leaders.”
During the intensive four-week programme, FastTrack interns will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, engage with influential business leaders, and tackle hands-on assignments that connect academic learning with real-world application. Workshops will concentrate on refining soft skills such as business etiquette, leadership, and presentation
prowess, while a project management component will foster teamwork capabilities.
Dinusha Jayamanne, Senior General Manager HR at Brandix, stated “We are thrilled to partner with the John Keells Group and Sysco LABS Sri Lanka on the FastTrack Internship programme. This collaboration showcases our commitment to nurturing talent in Sri Lanka and shaping the future together. Through initiatives like this, we aim to create opportunities that empower emerging professionals and strengthen talent practices.”
The FastTrack summer internship seeks to not just retain youthful talent locally, but also inspire them to harness their distinct strengths and abilities for the betterment of Sri Lanka.