University of Central Lancashire launched in Sri Lanka on sidelines of CHOGM
Tuesday, 19 November 2013 00:13
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Foreign Secretary praises educational links between Britain and Sri Lanka and says education helps build peace and stability
British Foreign Secretary William Hague has praised the launch of the University of Central Lancashire’s new campus in Sri Lanka today, which will open to students in 2015. This campus will be the first from overseas to open in South Asia and will bring UK expertise and standards of excellence to the region.
British qualifications are by far the most sought after in Sri Lanka, with students and parents seeking British education from primary level to higher education. Approximately 8,000 young Sri Lankans obtain UK school qualifications each year, while 35,000 acquire professional qualifications through the British Council.
The Foreign Secretary unveiled the plaque for the campus. Members of the Sri Lankan Government and education professionals attended the event.
The Foreign Secretary said: “I am pleased to take part in the launch of the University Of Central Lancashire campus in Sri Lanka, marking the significant strengthening of educational links between the people of Britain and Sri Lanka. Education is a significant factor in building peace and stability and this British new campus should be celebrated.”
Malcolm McVicar, Group Chief Executive of UCLAN Group said: “We are delighted that William Hague, Foreign Secretary, has unveiled the plaque symbolising the Group’s planned campus in Sri Lanka. The University Group has an ambitious internationalisation strategy and is delighted at the support it is receiving in Sri Lanka to take this exciting project forward. UCLAN Lanka will complement the work of existing universities and bring new opportunities for individual students. This is the first British University to build a campus in South Asia.”
The Sri Lankan Government has recently opened up the education market allowing foreign universities to have campuses in Sri Lanka. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) is the 5th largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers.
The Sri Lankan Government’s aim is to develop the country as a regional ‘knowledge hub’ and boost its economy. With private education a growth sector in Sri Lanka, the UK, through the High Commission and UKTI Colombo, is working with UK educational providers to increase the British footprint in the local market.
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has developed an enviable reputation as an institution that innovates, evolving its course portfolio to over 500 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate courses. The University has an established research reputation within the areas of Business, Health, Humanities and Science.
In the recent Research Assessment Exercise, all 17 subject areas submitted were rated as containing research of international excellence while 11 areas were assessed to be undertaking research which is world-leading. With approximately 32,000 students, the University indirectly contributes close to £250 million into the regional economy every year. UCLan is currently in the process of spending more than £120 million on new buildings and facilities to support teaching, learning and leisure activities.
The British Council has offices in Sri Lanka see http://www.educationuk.org/global/ for more information.
