Open learning pioneer Commonwealth of Learning
The inaugural meeting of the Alumni Association of Commonwealth Executive MBA and MPA [Business Administration (CEMBA) and Public Administration (CEMPA)] of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Sri Lanka Chapter, took place this February at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) its local partner. The meeting brought together students from all the cohorts since its start in 2002.
Prof. Sudatta Ranasinghe, member Board of Governors of the Commonwealth of Learning and coordinator of the program in Sri Lanka, was chief guest and inspiration behind the setting up of the alumni network. He spoke of the benefits offered to students by the collaboration of the Open University’s flexible distance learning model with the considerable resources of the Commonwealth of Learning in delivering this internationally recognized program at a very affordable cost. Prof. Ranasinghe is also Professor of Management Studies at OUSL. He along with S.a.d.senanayaka, Head, Department of Management Studies and Dr. L.P.S Gamini, have been the guiding force behind this new alumni venture.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government created COL with its office in Vancouver, Canada as an intergovernmental organisation to encourage development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technolo- gies. COL helps developing nations improve access to quality education and training at reasonable costs. The CEMBA and CEMPA programs along with their learning material were created by COL using university academic expertise from its developed member states in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore along with those of the Open Universities of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The program is governed by COL and has now been adopted by 10 countries in Asia, Africa and South America.
An enthusiastic group of former CEMBA and CEMPA students from Sri Lanka have worked diligently in the last couple of months, leading to this meeting to form the Sri Lankan Alumni Association. A presentation about the program served as a refresher while a brainstorming session harnessed the collective wisdom of those present to decide the basis of the local network aims for the future.
Lakshman Abeysekera a past president of the PIM Alumni Association spoke at the event, sharing his experience from PIM, offering a glimpse into the possible future for a successfully run Sri Lankan Masters alumni organization.
The first AGM of the alumni association is planned for March and the organizers are keen to increase member numbers. All current and former students are invited to the AGM.