Deans Message

Message from the Dean

Dear Students, Staff, Community Leaders, and Stakeholders,

I am honored to welcome you to Northern Uni, a pivotal institution in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Our university stands at the heart of the region’s educational landscape, committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through world-class education and research.

The Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka hold vast potential, and the role of Northern Uni is critical in unlocking that promise. By offering specialized programs in IT and business, we are not only preparing our students for the future but also positioning them to be agents of change in their communities and beyond. Earning degrees in these fields significantly increases the prospects of securing better job opportunities both locally and internationally, opening doors to high-demand sectors in Sri Lanka and globally.

At Northern Uni, we offer degree programs in IT and Business through prestigious partnerships with SLIIT and the University of Bedfordshire. These collaborations provide students with the flexibility to complete their entire degree in Sri Lanka or pursue international degree pathway programs, where part of their studies can be undertaken in Sri Lanka and the remainder in the UK. This global approach opens doors to enriching academic experiences and diverse career opportunities.

One of our primary objectives is to develop a highly productive IT workforce, particularly in Jaffna, which has the potential to significantly transform the local economy. With the right skills and infrastructure, we anticipate that the economy of the Northern Province could grow by an additional $1 billion USD in the medium term and by as much as $5 billion USD through the growth of the ICT sector. This expansion will create a ripple effect across various industries—improving livelihoods, boosting technological capabilities, and ushering in a new era of development for the region.

At Northern Uni, we believe that education is the foundation upon which stronger, more prosperous communities are built. Together, we can harness the power of knowledge to drive innovation, uplift our region, and shape a brighter future for all.

Professor  :- Dr. Gobithas Tharmarajah – Dean -Academic – SLIIT Northern Uni .

President/CEO

Introducing the visionary behind the establishment of NORTHERN UNI, Professor Lalith Gamage, a true trailblazer in the realm of academia. With a remarkable record of accomplishments and a profound commitment to education, Professor Gamage assumes the pivotal role of Director, guiding our institution towards unparalleled heights of excellence.

Recognised for his exceptional leadership in academia, Professor Gamage was bestowed with The Outstanding Young Person of the Year (TOYP) award for Academic Leadership in 2000. As an Affiliate Professor at the esteemed University of British Columbia, Canada, his expertise and insights are truly invaluable.

Beyond his remarkable accolades, Professor Gamage holds an unwavering vision for the development of the northern region of Sri Lanka. He is resolutely dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to quality education across the country. With a deep understanding of the immense potential residing within the north, Professor Gamage is committed to nurturing a fertile educational landscape that empowers individuals and fuels inclusive growth. His aspirations extend beyond education, encompassing the creation of a robust ecosystem that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic advancement.

Professor Gamage has made significant contributions to the promotion of the IT industry and has served the Sri Lankan government in various influential capacities. He has held prestigious positions such as Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the Lanka Software Foundation (LSF), the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT), the ICT Cluster, and the Executive Director of the Trade Information Network of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in establishing Conceptnursery, Sri Lanka’s first technology incubator, and nurturing numerous successful technology companies. In 2020, his unwavering dedication and contributions to the development of Sri Lanka’s IT industry earned him the distinguished ‘Most Outstanding ICT Contributor of the Year award at the NBQSA, the prestigious National ICT Awards Organised by the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

As an esteemed Advisory Board Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and the Founding President of the Sri Lanka Association of Non-State Higher Education Institutes (SLANSHEI), Professor Gamage continues to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s education and technology landscape.

Professor Gamage completed his undergraduate studies in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the prestigious University of Moratuwa and holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research expertise spans diverse domains, including Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Evolutionary Computing.Under the visionary leadership of Professor Lalith Gamage, NORTHERN UNI propels towards a future where education, innovation, and progress intertwine, preparing students to become the change-makers of tomorrow.

President/CEO

Introducing the visionary behind the establishment of NORTHERN UNI, Professor Lalith Gamage, a true trailblazer in the realm of academia. With a remarkable record of accomplishments and a profound commitment to education, Professor Gamage assumes the pivotal role of Director, guiding our institution towards unparalleled heights of excellence.

Recognised for his exceptional leadership in academia, Professor Gamage was bestowed with The Outstanding Young Person of the Year (TOYP) award for Academic Leadership in 2000. As an Affiliate Professor at the esteemed University of British Columbia, Canada, his expertise and insights are truly invaluable.

Beyond his remarkable accolades, Professor Gamage holds an unwavering vision for the development of the northern region of Sri Lanka. He is resolutely dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to quality education across the country. With a deep understanding of the immense potential residing within the north, Professor Gamage is committed to nurturing a fertile educational landscape that empowers individuals and fuels inclusive growth. His aspirations extend beyond education, encompassing the creation of a robust ecosystem that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic advancement.

Professor Gamage has made significant contributions to the promotion of the IT industry and has served the Sri Lankan government in various influential capacities. He has held prestigious positions such as Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), the Lanka Software Foundation (LSF), the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT), the ICT Cluster, and the Executive Director of the Trade Information Network of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in establishing Conceptnursery, Sri Lanka’s first technology incubator, and nurturing numerous successful technology companies. In 2020, his unwavering dedication and contributions to the development of Sri Lanka’s IT industry earned him the distinguished ‘Most Outstanding ICT Contributor of the Year award at the NBQSA, the prestigious National ICT Awards Organised by the Sri Lanka Section of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

As an esteemed Advisory Board Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and the Founding President of the Sri Lanka Association of Non-State Higher Education Institutes (SLANSHEI), Professor Gamage continues to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s education and technology landscape.

Professor Gamage completed his undergraduate studies in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the prestigious University of Moratuwa and holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research expertise spans diverse domains, including Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Evolutionary Computing.Under the visionary leadership of Professor Lalith Gamage, NORTHERN UNI propels towards a future where education, innovation, and progress intertwine, preparing students to become the change-makers of tomorrow.

Founder and Chairman

Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.

Founder and Chairman

Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.