🎓 Curtin University Colombo Celebrates Futures Unfolding: Graduation 2026

On Monday, March 16, the Lotus Ballroom at Shangri-La Colombo came alive with tradition, pride, and celebration as Curtin University Colombo honored its graduating class of 2026. The ceremony was more than a formal event, it was a heartfelt journey that blended culture, achievement, and the promise of a bright future.

The evening opened with a traditional dance performance, followed by the Devowassthu Kalena ritual, grounding the ceremony in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. As the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Australia echoed through the ballroom, the atmosphere reflected the unique partnership that defines Curtin University Colombo local roots with global reach.

The ceremony featured inspiring addresses from university leaders and dignitaries.

• Prof. Lalith Gamage, Chairman and Managing Director of Curtin Colombo, welcomed graduates with words of encouragement.
• A special video message from Curtin Vice-Chancellor Prof. Harlene Hayne reminded students that they are part of a global Curtin family.
• His Excellency Mr. Matthew Duckworth, Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the opportunities awaiting graduates as they step into the world.
• The Chancellor’s Charge to Graduates, delivered via video by Prof. Xiaotian Zhang, urged students to embrace their responsibilities as Curtin alumni and leaders of tomorrow.

The ceremony unfolded with the presentation of graduates in Engineering and Computing, followed by the awarding of Excellence Awards. The Curtin Alumni Sri Lanka Chapter proudly presented honors to outstanding achievers, while the Distinguished Alumni Excellence Awards celebrated graduates who have already made a mark in their fields.

Valedictorian Prarthana Ragulan delivered a moving address, reflecting on the resilience, friendships, and growth that defined the Class of 2026. Her words captured the spirit of a cohort that overcame challenges and embraced opportunities with courage.

Beyond speeches and awards, the celebration was filled with moments of joy. A dance performance by the Curtin Legacies Dancing Team added energy and color, while the academic recessional marked the formal closure of the ceremony. Yet for students and families, the night was not an ending, it was the beginning of new journeys.

As graduates step forward, they carry with them not only degrees but also memories of a community that nurtured their ambitions. They now join Curtin’s global alumni network, ready to make an impact across industries and borders.

The 2026 graduation ceremony was a reminder that Curtin University Colombo is more than a university, it is a place where tradition meets innovation, and where students are empowered to dream, achieve, and lead.