President inaugurates Times School of Higher Education by Wijeya Newspapers

• Emphasises importance of education in building a future-ready workforce

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Times School of  Higher Education CEO  Janaka Rathnakumara

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday revealed plans for the establishment of multiple new public and private educational institutions to provide Sri Lanka’s youth with opportunities for globally recognised higher education. 

The announcement was made yesterday at the inauguration of the “Times School of Higher Education” by Wijeya Newspapers Group at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. The Times Institute of Higher Education, is dedicated to offering job-oriented education through partnerships with three foreign universities and higher education institutions.  The institute offers a wide range of programs, including certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses, along with professional skill development programs and undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities through its Digital Academy.  A five-member Advisory Board, composed of experts in education, will oversee the institute’s activities. The board’s goal is to ensure that the education provided aligns with global standards and to strengthen ties with international universities. 

The governing authority has expressed its commitment to enhancing the quality of education for Sri Lankan youth by establishing connections with more foreign universities in the future.

During the event, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the importance of education in building a future-ready workforce, especially as Sri Lanka moves towards an export-oriented economy. 

“Today, I had the privilege of inaugurating the Times Institute of Higher Education, an institution designed to meet the demands of modern education. As our country progresses towards the mid-21st century, acquiring new knowledge is crucial,” he said. 

He also shared plans to allocate Government funds to support vocational training for 50,000 youth in recognised institutions, alongside expanding opportunities in both public and private sectors. Wickremesinghe highlighted the need for educational institutions to meet high standards as the country aims to create 100,000 new jobs in emerging industries over the next few years. 

The President stressed the importance of these institutions in fostering a digital economy, stating, “For the digital economy we aspire to build, such institutions are essential. Our goal is to provide the youth with the support they need to access quality employment opportunities.” 

As part of the event, the President also launched the website for the “Times School of Higher Education”, marking a significant step in modernising educational access for Sri Lankan students.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Pine, Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Wijeya Newspapers Chairman Ranjith Wijewardene, Wijeya Newspapers Deputy Chairman Sujan Wijewardene, Times School of Higher Education Director Janaka Rathnakumara and its academic staff, the Board of Directors of the Wijeya Newspapers, representatives from international educational institutions and other dignitaries were also present at the event.