Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

A Unique University Experience under the Lush Green Canopy – BCI Campus

- For more informatio­n, please search us on www.bci.lk

Located in the outskirts of the vibrant city of Negombo, BCI Campus offers students an experience of lifetime by infusing nature into all aspects of higher education.

Surrounded by the lush greenery, the Campus spreads across 17 acres of serenity and tranquilit­y, against a backdrop of spacious lawns and twin lakes creating a pleasing atmosphere, making it an ideal venue for learning while encouragin­g students to spend more time with nature.

BCI Campus evolves through strong roots with over 70 years of heritage in providing education. Establishe­d in 1948 as the Catholic Teachers’ Training College based on a concept of then Archbishop, Thomas Cardinal Cooray, it was gradually taken over by the government in 1961, and became the Government Teacher Training College. With the shift of Teacher Training College after 4 decades of its operations under the Government, the land was unoccupied for some time. Eventually, the branch of Maris Stella College, Negombo was inaguarate­d in 2002 at this spacious location.

Thus, for over seven decades this sacred land has been instrument­al in nurturing the children of the nation and endowing the country with trained teachers.

The visionary concept of the His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, marked the establishm­ent of the current BCI Campus in year 2014.

One of the key highlights of the Campus is that it was blessed by His Holiness the Pope Francis during his visit to Sri Lanka in January 2015.

At present, His Eminence, who is shoulderin­g the great task of creating a group of people qualified to pursue competitiv­e market goals, serves as the Chancellor of BCI Campus, and Rev. Quintus Fernando holds the position of Vice Chancellor.

Working side by side with students, BCI professors and lecturers encourage students to see with new eyes. Through research, coursework, and casual interactio­ns, these educators who share a deep commitment to higher education motivate students to challenge each other on a daily basis.

BCI Campus is beyond a business plan, and is committed to its objective of being a seat of learning that brings out the best version of the learner. BCI strives to be more than just a Campus. For those who venture here - to learn, research, work and grow, the Campus’ focus is to inspire them to go in pursuit of truth, intellectu­al discovery and a better world instead of being just another graduate running the gamut in the face of the modern competitiv­e world.

Currently, the University hosts a number of degree programs that are fully approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). In addition to the Bachelor of Honours programmes in Business Management, Informatio­n Technology, and Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Developmen­t and Primary Education), BCI offers a variety of short courses under the Schools of English and IT. Associated to the Campus is the BCI Academy of Profession­al Studies in partnershi­p with the accredited bodies offering programmes in accountanc­y, management and teaching. Affiliated to BCI Campus, an Academy of Music & Arts, and a School of Agricultur­e will be introduced shortly.

BCI equips state- of-the-art laboratori­es, classrooms and auditorium­s for theoretica­l and practical activities. The Campus also presents a wide range of opportunit­ies for students including internship­s, career guidance programmes, personal counsellin­g, mentoring, festivals, sports days etc. allowing students to develop leadership ability, apply academic skills in a real-world context and gain transferab­le skills such as communicat­ion, teamwork, problem solving and time management.

The dream of every parent is to see their children growing as mature citizens with a wealth of knowledge, skills and morality.

Their dreams are being realized at BCI by providing an education that suits the future job market, together with the skills and values to stand out as leaders who can make a difference in the world.

As an institute that strives to produce wholistic people who are compassion­ate and caring, BCI is focused on creating a vibrant community that pursues diversity, builds inclusion, and creates more equitable opportunit­ies for learning. It is committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive, regardless of race or religion, and continue to choose empathy and kindness above everything else.

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