Dilip Fonseka has bagged Asia's Innovative Thinker Award
I am Dilip Fonseka, the owner and managing director of Ceylon Pharma College, and currently work as a pharmacist in Sri Lanka. My journey began with big dreams, though the inception of Ceylon Pharma College in 2020 was a total coincidence. Originally started to provide pharmacy employment training, our institute has grown into a premier pharmacy training and education center in Sri Lanka due to our exceptional teaching methods which go beyond traditional teaching methods, and our unique web portal.
With my experience in this field, one of the significant issues I found in pharmacy education is the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. To bridge this gap, I designed Ceylon Pharma College to develop practical skills essential for the job market. With the rise of online education, I sought to create something extraordinary. To move away from rote learning, we introduced an LMS system that provides a real pharmacy experience, incorporating unique games that students love. This led to the development of a digital pharmacy concept, offering students a virtual pharmacy experience. At our institute, we are committed to providing a comprehensive pharmacy education that includes hands-on, practical experience. Every student has the opportunity to participate in a range of online activities designed to impart fundamental knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice. These activities cover various aspects such as prescription reading, in-depth understanding of medical terminology, comprehension of different drug dosage forms and administration methods, rigorous training in pharmaceutical calculations, effective patient communication techniques, proper patient handling procedures, and training in cashier responsibilities within a pharmacy setting.
Our courses have gained popularity among the citizens of Sri Lanka due to a multitude of reasons. Firstly, our courses are designed to be highly affordable, ensuring that quality education is accessible to a wider demographic. In a developing country like Sri Lanka, not everyone has equal opportunities for education. However, as an institute, we have taken steps to address this issue by offering reduced tuition fees, thereby enabling many students to pursue their studies at an affordable price. Secondly, our user-friendly interface allows students to grasp complex concepts with ease. Additionally, we provide daily follow-ups to ensure that students stay on track and receive the support they need. Moreover, our commitment to addressing every question posed by students contributes to a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Furthermore, our courses are conducted in both Sinhala and English, catering to diverse linguistic preferences. Lastly, we prioritize providing essential learning materials to facilitate comprehensive understanding and academic success. Even though this course is conducted online, we provide comprehensive study packs that are tailored to each student's needs. These packs include a range of materials such as tutorials, assignment sheets, and other relevant resources. We ensure that these study packs are conveniently delivered directly to the students' homes to support their learning experience.
These innovative teaching methods have earned us the title of Asia’s Best Education Portal. As an institute located in Asia, we have received the most prestigious award in the region. By winning the Asia’s Best Education Portal Award, we, Ceylon Pharma College, have confirmed that we have the best education portal in Asia. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Thilina Ruwan, our software developer, my dedicated team, our students, those who recommended our courses, and all those who supported us in this journey.
Receiving the Asia’s Best Education Portal award is a significant achievement for us. This award allows us to uphold our institute's name and ideas internationally, providing global recognition to our institute. We are proud to be the first pharmaceutical education institute to achieve this honor, which is a great advantage for our students. Those who aspire to work abroad as caregivers and medical assistants also benefit as they have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge through an internationally recognized institute. Additionally, students gain satisfaction from learning at a top-tier education institute, which fills them with pride.
We have received accreditation from the Canada Skills Development Council and the American Council of Development and Training along with this award. This recognition marks a significant turning point for our institute, confirming that we provide quality education to our students. Previously, we were only well-known among Sri Lankans, but this award has raised our profile worldwide. Interested individuals now have the opportunity to learn about our institute and join us. This award belongs to everyone who supported us so far and those who join us in the future. Therefore, I am very thankful to the Asia Awards, World Research Congress and the United Research Council for allowing us this huge opportunity.
After completing our courses, students can proudly receive their certificates at the BMICH, which is the best place to obtain certificates that maximize their value and fulfill the dreams of thousands. Our greatest achievement is the success of our students, whose recommendations have fueled our growth from a single student to over 3000.
Since childhood, I have always dreamed big and had extraordinary ideas. At times, I thought they were nonsensical, and despite having good innovative thoughts, many people demotivated me by saying that they were impossible. When I first had the idea of starting Ceylon Pharma College, many discouraged me, saying that it would never happen. My path has been filled with failures and setbacks from the beginning, including six unsuccessful software attempts and numerous demotivating moments. However, I never stopped innovating and creating new ideas, which ultimately led to my receiving Asia’s Innovative Thinker Award. I am very thankful to the Asia Awards, World Research Congress, and the United Research Council for motivating me to keep innovating in a world where I was rejected several times. You have proven to me that I am worthy and it will encourage me to innovate more in the future.
I was not a person with some kind of superpower or supernatural abilities. I was not born with a silver spoon. I am a person coming from a poor family and an ordinary background, all I did was dream big and work hard to achieve my goals. It was my courage and dedication and countless sleepless nights that made me extraordinary in obtaining international recognition. My story is a testament that dedication and effort can turn any dream into reality. If I can do it, anyone can. Remember, dreams never betray those who strive. Never stop dreaming, but remember, dreams alone are not enough, you have to work tirelessly to make them come true. So, dream big, work hard, and never lose faith in your potential. Let my story inspire you to chase your aspirations with unwavering resolve, knowing that with dedication and effort, anything is possible.