Sri Lanka Telecom expands horizons in higher education sector

Wednesday, 23 April 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Collaborates with University Grants Commission and University of Colombo

SLT Human Capital Solutions (SLT HCS), a fully owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) together with the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the University of Colombo (UOC), signed a tri-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently, to offer modern Degree programs in the field of Technology and Engineering. The initiative helps expand the much needed University-Industry collaboration, in order to contribute to Sri Lanka’s rapid national development.

The initiative is coordinated by SLT HCS in affiliation with the UOC, under the purview of the UGC, promises to contribute to the current national requirement in the higher education field. This is a first-of-its-kind collaborative venture initiated by the corporate sector and supported by the UGC. It is also the first Technology and Engineering program that is to be accredited by a Sri Lankan university at International competitive standards, without the involvement of foreign institutions.

Commenting on the landmark initiative, UGC Sri Lanka Chairperson Professor Kshanika Hirimburegama said: “The introduction of this program addresses the current shortage of local universities, in accommodating the demand for Technology and Engineering Degrees.” The Degree-awarding body, the UOC, will be fully responsible for ensuring the quality of the Degree program, conducting examinations and sourcing qualified academics. Vice Chancellor of the UOC, Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama stated: “This collaboration paves the path for us to introduce a much needed Technology and Engineering Degree, strengthening the University-Industry collaboration in the competitive globalised economy. We are pleased to partner with the SLT Group that has industry expertise spanning over 150 years, also in the state sector. The collaboration will enable us to groom and produce the next generation of Technologists and Engineers as entrepreneurs, who will undoubtedly be an asset to the country. This initiative will also lead to re-establishing the first engineering faculty of University of Colombo in a modern way, which was functioning in Colombo up to the late 1950s.”

The Degree program will be conducted at SLT’s training facilities in Welisara, Galle and Moratuwa which comprises of lecture rooms that can accommodate over 200 students and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art ICT and Technological Laboratories, Conference Halls, Libraries, Residential Facilities, Recreation and Sports facilities including Gymnasiums. The project will be self-financed and will not be a burden to the Government or to the public of Sri Lanka. SLT Human Capital Solutions Chief Executive Officer Ranjith G. Rubasinghe said: “The SLT group will provide the entire necessary realty infrastructure, academic facilities and most importantly, the required industrial expertise to conduct a recognised, comprehensive and affordable program for students. This venture perfectly complements the Government’s ambition of transforming Sri Lanka into a knowledge hub.”