The ‘FastTrack’ summer internship, a collaborative initiative by the John Keells Group, Sysco LABS Sri Lanka, and Brandix Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, is set to return this year, offering undergraduates a unique four-week internship experience. Launched in 2011, FastTrack stands out by providing participants with an unparalleled opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse corporate landscape, aiming to attract innovative minds among local and overseas undergraduates who may otherwise seek opportunities abroad.
Isuru Gunasekera, Chief People Officer & Head of Sustainability at the John Keells Group, emphasized the program’s objective of nurturing the next generation of corporate leaders in Sri Lanka during the signing of the partnership agreement. Gunasekera highlighted the internship’s role in providing interns with firsthand exposure to various career pathways within the Sri Lankan corporate sector, illustrating how companies like theirs contribute to the economy, foster innovation, and uphold sustainable practices.
The FastTrack interns will gain exclusive exposure to industry sectors such as Leisure, Real Estate, Consumer Foods, Retail, Information Technology, Garments and Textiles, and Transportation. Rehan Anthonis, Director of People Operations at Sysco LABS Sri Lanka, expressed excitement about collaborating on the program, emphasizing the importance of providing participants with insights into tech companies and the role of innovation in growth and development.
Throughout the intensive four-week program, FastTrack interns will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, engagement with influential business leaders, and hands-on assignments connecting academic learning with real-world application. Workshops will focus on refining soft skills like business etiquette, leadership, and presentation prowess, while a project management component will enhance teamwork capabilities.
Dinusha Jayamanne, Senior General Manager HR at Brandix, highlighted the collaboration’s commitment to nurturing talent in Sri Lanka and shaping the future together. Initiatives like the FastTrack Internship program aim to empower emerging professionals and strengthen talent practices, ultimately inspiring youthful talent to leverage their strengths for Sri Lanka’s advancement.