On September 6, 2024, Thurstan College in Colombo buzzed with excitement as it hosted E-Pulse 24, a groundbreaking Commerce Day event that redefined how students engage with the world of business. Organized by the 2025 A/L Batch, this event wasn’t your typical commerce day filled with traditional lectures and textbook theories. Instead, E-Pulse 24 embraced the theme of E-Commerce & Digital Marketing, resonating deeply with the tech-savvy, entrepreneurial spirit of Gen Z. With over 450 participants, the event was a vibrant celebration of innovation, ambition, and practical learning.
Under the leadership of President Lisara Geemeth and Secretary Isira Chirayu, the organizing committee crafted an experience that blended education with real-world applicability. The event welcomed two distinguished chief guests—Mr. Joel Tillekeratne, the founder of Carnage and Fitness Island, and Mr. Dhanika Perera, the visionary behind Bhasha Lanka—alongside guest of honor Mr. Vihanga Jayasinghe. Their presence added a layer of inspiration, showcasing what young entrepreneurs can achieve with determination and creativity.
A Day Packed with Dynamic Activities
E-Pulse 24 unfolded across multiple engaging formats, ensuring participants walked away with both knowledge and hands-on experience. The centerpiece was a panel discussion hosted by Secretary Isira Chirayu, where the chief guests shared insights on navigating the digital economy. This wasn’t just a talk—it was a conversation that sparked ideas among students eager to carve their own paths in e-commerce and digital marketing.
The event also featured a separate competition day, which included a Presentation Competition, a Quiz Competition, and an Essay Competition. These activities challenged participants to think critically, articulate their ideas, and showcase their understanding of modern business trends. The overall championship title went to Ananda College, a testament to the competitive spirit and talent on display.
Special Highlights: Personal Branding, Entrepreneurship, and Time Management
What set E-Pulse 24 apart was its focus on topics that hit home for today’s youth. One of the standout moments was a session on personal branding for students. In an era where social media shapes perceptions, the speakers emphasized how students can build a strong online presence to stand out. Mr. Joel Tillekeratne, with his fitness empire, shared how authenticity and consistency online helped him connect with audiences and grow his brand. For students, this was a wake-up call: your personal brand starts now, even before you step into the professional world.
Another highlight was the discussion on starting a business while studying. Mr. Dhanika Perera, whose journey with Bhasha Lanka began with a bold idea, broke down the myth that entrepreneurship requires waiting until after graduation. He encouraged students to start small—whether it’s a dropshipping venture, a freelance gig, or a content creation side hustle. The key? Taking action and learning through experience. This resonated with the audience, many of whom left the event brainstorming their own startup ideas.
Of course, the question of time management loomed large. Balancing schoolwork with a budding business isn’t easy, but the speakers offered practical tips. Mr. Vihanga Jayasinghe stressed the importance of prioritization and delegation, urging students to use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to stay organized. “You don’t need to do everything yourself,” he said. “Build a team, even if it’s just friends who share your vision.” This advice turned an intimidating challenge into an achievable goal for many attendees.
Networking with Young Entrepreneurs: A Gen Z Twist
Traditional commerce days often focus on theoretical networking—handing out business cards and making small talk. E-Pulse 24 flipped the script, encouraging students to connect with young entrepreneurs in a way that suits Gen Z: digitally, authentically, and purposefully. The event highlighted how platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Discord can be goldmines for building a network. The chief guests shared how they’ve leveraged these tools to collaborate with peers and mentors, proving that meaningful connections don’t require a suit and tie.
Students were urged to seek out young entrepreneurs who’ve “already done something”—those who’ve launched startups, built online communities, or disrupted industries. The trick? Don’t just ask for advice—offer value in return. Whether it’s a fresh perspective, a skill like graphic design, or even enthusiasm, reciprocity builds stronger bonds. E-Pulse 24 fostered this mindset, turning networking into a two-way street rather than a transactional exchange.
Why E-Pulse 24 Stood Out
This wasn’t a commerce day stuck in the past. It was a forward-thinking, Gen Z-friendly event that embraced the digital age. From its focus on e-commerce and digital marketing to its emphasis on actionable skills like personal branding and time management, E-Pulse 24 spoke directly to a generation that values flexibility, creativity, and impact. The presence of relatable, successful chief guests bridged the gap between aspiration and reality, showing students that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for adults with decades of experience.
For the 2025 A/L Batch at Thurstan College, E-Pulse 24 was more than an event—it was a launchpad. Participants left with not just certificates or trophies, but a renewed sense of possibility. Whether they start a business tomorrow or years from now, the lessons from this day will echo in their journeys. And for Thurstan College, E-Pulse 24 set a new standard for what Commerce Day can be: dynamic, relevant, and undeniably cool.
