Sri Lanka's event management industry has taken a significant step towards developing the next generation of globally competitive professionals with the official inauguration of the Diploma in International Event Management & Marketing Studies, an internationally recognised qualification awarded by Pearson UK and delivered through a pioneering collaboration between the Event Management Association (EMA) and Saegis Campus.

The inauguration ceremony brought together distinguished leaders from both academia and industry, including Chief Guest Dr. Kishu Gomes; Suriya Bibile, Regional Manager, South Asia, Pearson; Major General (Retd.) Milinda Peiris, CEO/Vice Chancellor of Saegis Campus; Saliya Weerasekera, President of the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka; Bathiya Jayakody, Programme Ambassador and Vice President of the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka; along with senior representatives and committee members from Saegis Campus and the EMA.

Designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, the diploma offers students an immersive learning experience that extends far beyond traditional education. Through the partnership with the Event Management Association, students will gain hands-on exposure by working alongside industry professionals at live events organised by EMA member companies, including conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, weddings, festivals, concerts, and large-scale productions.

This unique industry-integrated approach enables students to develop practical skills, build professional networks, and gain valuable experience throughout their academic journey, providing them with a distinct advantage as they prepare for careers in Sri Lanka and overseas.

As the events industry continues to evolve into a key contributor to tourism, business, entertainment, and economic growth worldwide, the demand for skilled professionals with both academic knowledge and practical expertise continues to rise. The Diploma in International Event Management & Marketing Studies has been developed to meet this growing demand by combining internationally recognised academic standards with real-world industry exposure.

Students will also benefit from direct interaction with Sri Lanka's leading event professionals, offering opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners while establishing valuable industry connections that can support their future careers. Rather than waiting until graduation to gain practical experience, students will become active participants in the industry from the very beginning of their studies.

Saliya Weerasekera, President of the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka, said: "The future of the event industry depends on nurturing professionals who possess both strong academic foundations and real-world experience. This collaboration represents a major milestone for our industry, creating an educational pathway that allows students to learn directly from experienced professionals while actively contributing to live projects. By bringing together the expertise of EMA, the academic excellence of Saegis Campus, and the global recognition of Pearson UK, we are building a new generation of event professionals equipped to compete on both local and international stages."

The launch of the diploma also marks an important milestone in the continued professionalisation of Sri Lanka's event management industry. By establishing a structured educational pathway that is closely aligned with industry requirements, the programme aims to raise professional standards while creating a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of supporting the country's growing events, hospitality, tourism, and corporate sectors.

Coinciding with the programme's inauguration, a dedicated website has also been launched to provide prospective students with comprehensive information about the diploma, admission requirements, programme structure, career opportunities, and online registration.

With its unique blend of internationally recognised education, practical industry experience, and direct access to Sri Lanka's leading event management professionals, the Diploma in International Event Management & Marketing Studies offers aspiring event specialists more than a qualification, it provides a genuine backstage pass to one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing industries.