Manifesto

#BringTheUWSToYou

Hi, I'm Dinushan Thiranjaya (Shan), current President of the UWS Sri Lankan Students Society and I'm running to be your next UWS Student President. I've been listening to and standing up for students throughout my time at UWS and, I will fight to bring the UWS to you by improving Student support, Academic Excellence, Student Welfare & well-being, Student Opportunities, Support for Liberation Groups (Women, LGBTQIA+, BAME), Sustainable Environment.

As President, I will,

Student Support

• Student Support in different languages: Establish a support service offering assistance in various languages to mitigate language barriers and accent issues.
• Affordable Housing Database: Create an online platform for affordable housing near campuses.
• Rent Guarantor Scheme: Advocate for a university-backed scheme to alleviate high upfront rental deposits.
• Student Considerate Shops Portal: Develop a platform for local shops offering student discounts. 
• Cost of Living Crisis: Lobby for rent and bill caps; tuition fees issues,  advocate for a university support fund for living costs.
• Ph.D. Funding and stipend opportunities: Increase funding, and stipend opportunities for UK/EU and international students.
• Enhanced Technical & IT Support: Increase support for disadvantaged students.

Academic Excellence

• Lecture Recordings: Advocate for accessible lecture recordings for all students.
• Flexible Timetabling: Push for adaptable class schedules to accommodate students with part-time jobs.
• More Practical Modules: Increase practical modules in all courses.
• Increase Research-Based Master’s and Ph.D. Courses: Advocate for more research-based Master's and Ph.D. courses.
• UWS Research Blog: Start an official blog to share academic articles.
• Online Courses on Coursera, edX: Launch UWS courses on global online platforms.

Student Welfare & Wellbeing

• Free Breakfast Program in London campus: Launch a free breakfast in London campus initiative with pre-packed food
• Free Breakfast Menu: Implement a different daily free breakfast menu.
• Diverse Food Corners: Establish food corners catering to different cultural cuisines on campus
• Monthly DJ Party: Initiate monthly DJ parties for socializing
• Enhanced Funding for Societies: Increase financial support for student societies
• Mental Health Support: Provide comprehensive mental health services and programs

Student Opportunities

• Internship Office and Portal: Facilitate internships through a dedicated office and online portal.
• Discounts for Second Master's: Implement a discount system for second Master’s degree applicants at UWS.
• Improved Sports Funding: Restart the cricket team and support Rugby, Football, and other sports with increased funding.

Support for Liberation Groups

• Safe Spaces: Create safe spaces for women, BAME, LGBTQIA+, and minority groups.
• Childcare for Student Mothers: Develop on-campus childcare facilities.
• Online Community for Women: Establish an online network for women student empowerment.
• Career Opportunities for Marginalized Groups: Facilitate career support for women, BAME, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent students, etc.
• Gender Equality Advocacy: Campaign for equality in all university aspects.

Sustainable Environment

• Greener Campus: Develop more and improve existing green spaces.
• Sustainable University Buildings: Enhance building sustainability and heat efficiency.
• Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Promote plant-based catering, recycling, and ethical investment policies.

With your support, I am confident we can achieve this vision together and #BringTheUWSToYou.

Vote for me! Thanks! You can reach me on Linkedin: dinushan-thiranjaya