University Business Linkages (UBL) Cell
Trincomalee Campus – Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Profile
The University Business Linkages (UBL) Cell at the Trincomalee Campus is an integral part of the Eastern University's UBL initiative. The UBL Cell was initiated at Eastern University, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the GIZ Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Development Programme and with the approval of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka.
The initiative was commenced with an "Information Session" that was especially orientated to Deans and Registrar of the University. Multi-Tech Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. acted as the logistic facilitator for this initiative.
The main role of the UBL Cell, which was formally established in the University, is to coordinate and act as the interface with the private sector of the Eastern Province. Business facilitation and support, analysis, strategy design, organization, documentation, planning and monitoring of the UBL portfolio were identified as the future responsibilities.
At the Trincomalee Campus, the UBL Cell functions under this overarching structure, serving as the local hub for industry-academia collaboration. The campus hosts three Faculties, each represented by a Faculty Coordinator who serves as the direct contact point for the central UBL Director.
- Faculty of Communication and Business Studies (FCBS) – Established in 2001, this is the pioneer faculty of the Trincomalee Campus, bringing together the fields of Languages, Communication, Management, and Information Technology through its three departments.
- Faculty of Applied Science – Offering programmes including Computer Science and Applied Physics and Electronics.
- Unit of Siddha Medicine – Serving the campus community.
Our Vision
Becoming the Centre of Excellence for University-Business Linkages in the region.
Our Mission
- Encourage invention and innovation at the University and the society.
- Transfer knowledge, skills and results of university research to the public by bringing the university and the business community together in a relationship of mutual advantage.
- Offer a set of needs-oriented UBL projects in order to strengthen local and regional business competitiveness and economic development.
Our Objectives
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Developing Practice and Business Oriented Skills in Students
Equipping undergraduates with practical, employable competencies through industry engagement.
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Developing Needs-Oriented Initiatives to Regional MSMEs
Supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Eastern Province.
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Organising Trainings and Consultancy Services
Providing expertise through training and consultancy services for regional MSMEs.
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Creating a Platform for Innovation
Promoting formal and informal communication and mutual exchange of information between the University and all sectors.
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Promoting Alliances
Encouraging partnerships with regional chambers, big companies, diaspora, ministries, and donors.
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Promoting Research Cooperation
Fostering joint research among private and public companies and entities and the University.
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Generating Income
Assuring the financial viability of the UBL Cell.
Organisational Structure
The UBL Cell at the Trincomalee Campus operates within the university-wide organisational structure established by the central UBL Cell:
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Director, UBL (Eastern University)
Provides overall coordination and strategic direction, supported by an Assistant.
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UBL Faculty Coordinators – Trincomalee Campus
Direct contacts and focal points at the faculty level, supporting the UBL Director. These coordinators represent the three faculties at the Trincomalee Campus.
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UBL Team Members
One to two selected members support the UBL Faculty Coordinators.
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UBL Steering Committee
Advising and supervising the work of the UBL Cell.
Our Activities and Impact
The UBL Cell at the Trincomalee Campus actively engages in impactful programmes that transform the learning experiences of students and staff. Below are some key workshops conducted:
Related Events
Workshops and Programmes
The UBL Cell conducts workshops, training programmes and industry engagement activities designed to strengthen practical skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration.
Collaborations
The UBL Cell at the Trincomalee Campus has established valuable partnerships with organisations and institutions to strengthen university-industry and community linkages.
National Crafts Council
Eastern Provincial OfficeProviding technical expertise, training, and certification for handicraft programmes.
Colombo Stock Exchange
Batticaloa BranchProviding resource persons and training materials for financial literacy workshops.
Department of Rural Industries
Eastern ProvinceProviding technical expertise for self-employment development programmes.
Centre for Industry Community Linkage (CICL)
Supporting industry-community engagement initiatives.
Transition to KTTO
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office
In accordance with the University Grants Commission Circular No. UGC ACU/UBL Gen 2026, dated 14th May 2026, the UBL Cell has been renamed the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO) to more accurately reflect its core functions and to align with internationally recognised practices.
The KTTO continues the legacy of the UBL Cell, with an expanded mandate to:
- Facilitate knowledge and technology transfer between the University and industry
- Support research commercialization and intellectual property management
- Foster innovation-driven economic impact
Contact Us
Trincomalee Campus
Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Konesapuri, Nilaveli-31010
Sri Lanka
+94 26-2227411