Staff
The stARTup University Business Linkage Cell – UBL
The “stARTup” was established in 2018 at the University of Visual & Performing Arts with the vision to establish an entrepreneurial eco-system in the field of creative and performing arts with world class facilities and infrastructure that support effective translation of knowledge and innovation into formation of flourishing Visual and Performing Arts entrepreneurs, contributing to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka.
The mission is to foster, nourish and promote innovations and entrepreneurships in the field of Visual and Performing Arts amongst the university community and other stakeholders through education, training, incubation, research and consulting activities. Objectives of this initiative:
- Results Area 1: Increasing Enrolment in Priority Disciplines for Economic Development
- Results Area 2: Improving the Quality of Higher Education
- Results Area 3: Promoting Research, Development and Innovation
The implementing agency of the AHEAD Project is the Ministry of Higher Education and Cultural affairs assist at the national level by the University Grants Commission (UGC). There is an Operation and Monitoring Support Team (OMST) in the Ministry with close links to the UGC to coordinate and provide academic, technical, and operational expertise for the implementation of AHEAD operations. The OMST has branch Operations Technical secretariats (OTS) offices in each universities. The OMST and OTSs will organize regular capacity-building activities for the relevant staff of the UVPA, including in procurement, financial management, and contract management, throughout the program implementation.
What is UBL?
To establish an entrepreneurial eco-system in the field of creative and performing arts with world class facilities and infrastructure that support effective translation of knowledge and innovation into formation of flourishing Visual and Performing Arts entrepreneurs contributing to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka.
UBL Advisory Board Members
- The Vice-Chancellor – Prof. Rohan Nethsinghe
- The Dean of the Faculty of Music – Mr. Sarath Fernando
- The Dean of the Faculty of Dance & Drama – Prof. Saman Kumarathunga
- The Dean of the Faculty of Visual Arts – Dr. I. M. T. Illangasinge
- The Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies – Prof. Indika Ferdinando
- Registrar – Dr. Chani Imbulgoda
- Bursar – Mr. W. M. W. Wanninayake
- Deputy Registrar/ RCWD – Ms. P. G. S. P. Nanayakkara
- Director/ UBL Cell – Dr. Samith Herath
External Members:
- Mr Dilith Jayaweera -Chairman/ George Steuart and Company Ltd.
- Ms Jeevanthi Senanayake -Director General – Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
Our Services
Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) Establishing Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) in Sri Lanka is a joint project of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO) of Sri Lanka. TISC program in the university is designed to give university staff and local inventers easy access to locally based, high quality technology information and related services. Consultancy and Advisory The UBL Cell of University of Visual & Performing Arts has several highly experienced specialists (faculty members) in the multidisciplinary fields to handle projects of any magnitude. Specialists are hired from other academic departments of the University for Areas where ever required. The highly motivated and energetic undergraduate student base and well-trained research assistants are an added advantage in implementing this activity. https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/ https://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/ https://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/ Research & Development The UBL Cell of University of Visual & Performing Arts undertakes research in variety of fields related to following sectors by application of scientific knowledge.
- Music
- Dance
- Drama
- Textile & Wearable Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Visual Communication Design
- Multimedia Arts
- Multi-Disciplinary Design
- Printmaking
- History and Art Theory
- Ceramics
The UBL Cell of University of Visual & Performing Arts is highly interested in collaborative scientific research in the above areas as well as any other areas according to client requirements. Please Contact Us for further information.
IP Services
Information Disclosure Agreements (IDA) An IDA is a contract between The University and another party that covers discussions about confidential or propriety information. The parties promise not to disclose information exchanged in discussions about research or business collaboration. Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) An MTA is a contract that allows one party to perform research using the materials of another party. This agreement governs common issues such as allowable uses, transfer of rights, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and liability.
Key Projects and Contributions 2024:
- VAPA TV – Broadcasting Excellence Island-wide: UBL played a significant role in collaboration as commercial partner for VAPA TV. UBL actively promoted VAPA TV, bringing the talents of our students to a broader audience. This alliance supported to promote and expand VAPA Television around the Sri Lanka.
- Drama Industry Enhancement and drama.lk: UBL is committed to enhancing the drama industry by facilitating the live streaming and sale of theatrical productions through the platform www.drama.lk. This ongoing project aims to expand the reach of dramatic arts and contribute to the growth of the industry. This website is ready to release and seeking for commercial partners.
- University Bookshop: Establishment of the University bookshop, happened on 2024. This initiative allows undergraduates to purchase books and accomplish their stationary needs.
- VAPA Dance Ensemble: The VAPA Dance Ensemble aims to promote UVPA through dance related entertainment activities in national and international level, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of UVPA. UBL Cell continues to actively contribute to the realization of this.
- Internships and Student Support: As UBL is always creating the link between university students and corporate culture. The UBL Cell provided internships for few students to enhance their skills and knowledge related to organizational environment.
UBL Cell involved conducting a two days program for group of Indian students with collaboration with Department of Indian and Asian Dance and Department of Kandyan Dance. This program consisted with workshop (Kandyan Dance) for Indian students, Cultural show by Indian Students, Cultural performances by UVPA students. All activities were linked to an assignment related to Event Management module of the Undergraduates of Department of Indian and Asian Dance.
The fiscal year 2024 has been marked by significant achievements, collaborations, and the successful promotion of various initiatives. UBL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering connections between the university and the broader community, ensuring that the artistic brilliance of UVPA reaches audiences far and wide.
Contact Us
University Business Linkage Cell (UBL Cell), University of Visual & Performing Arts, No. 21, Albert Crescent, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka. Phone : +94 112 033 710
Dr. H. M. S. S. Herath – Director UBL CELL University of Visual & Performing Arts Phone: +94777284038 Email : samith.s@vpa.ac.lk
Mr. D.V.D. Hettiarachchi – Manager UBL CELL University of Visual & Performing Arts Phone :+94718028461 Email: ublmanager2021@gmail.com