IIHE embarks on new horizons

It was a significant and historic day on 4 November 2011 for the higher education sector of Sri Lanka. Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) being one of the pioneers in tertiary education institutes in the country officially opened its state-of-the-art campus premises in Colombo 4.

The campus was declared open by Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake, who was the Chief Guest. Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Professor Nigel Palastanga along with other officials of the university also attended the event.

Prior to the inauguration ceremony the Minister was ushered around the campus premises along with all other invitees present on the special occasion. The new facilities include seven fully-equipped and well spaced out lecture halls, three computer laboratories fully-fledged with state-of-the-art technology, an impressive library with a wide range of books, periodicals and international journals. The Minister was impressed by the facility and commended its interior and outlook. Once the formal procession was over the Minister was introduced to Professor Palastanga and other UOW officials.

CEO and Academic Director Dr. Thilaka Weerakoon delivered the welcome speech, where he stated: “IIHE believes that there is a huge potential for Sri Lanka to become a provider of higher education at affordable costs even to the students from the other nations where tuition fees are rising at an alarming rate.”

He further stated that this milestone of the history of IIHE demonstrates the institute’s commitment to the youth of the country and the contribution of high quality education to the private tertiary education industry in Sri Lanka.

Professor Palastanga addressing the gathering stated: “The University of Wales, is to merge with Trinity St. David and Swansea Metropolitan University, under the Trinity Royal Charter to form the University of Wales Trinity St David. The new Vice Chancellor has made it clear that he wishes to continue with the international role of the university whilst introducing a new model for their off shore centers which would be better and more stringent in offering quality programmes.”

He also said that he is pleased to announce that there have never been any concerns with the Imperial Institute of Higher Education in Sri Lanka, where IIHE has continued to deliver on exemplary standards in their adherence to the quality and values in place by the university.

Minister Dissanayake addressed the gathering by commending IIHE for its remarkable new campus and the contributions made to the higher education sector for the last 15 years in Sri Lanka. “As the Minister in charge of Higher Education, I am committed to ensure free education. I’m equally committed to open opportunities for the private sector to participate in higher education.”

He also stated that he was pleased to note that IIHE had been directly associated with the prestigious University of Wales and was proud that IIHE had earned a reputation as a world class provider of tertiary education in the country.

The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks, which was delivered by the IIHE Student Union President Chulani Nipunika.