Non-State Higher Education institutes in North, East: UGC Head

Two new Higher Education institutes to be set up in the North and East provinces within this year, said University Grants Commission ( UGC) Chairperson Prof Kshanika Hirimburegama.

She said that the two institutes will cater to students in the two provinces who could not gain entrance into State universities, adding that, there are parties interested in funding the project.

“These will be high quality nonState universities monitored by the UGC and the Higher Education Ministry. Experienced lecturers will tutor students on areas essential for the future,” she said.

The main subject areas to be taught in these institutes are Tourism, Hospitality Management and Information Technology ( IT). The chairperson emphasised that in future, Tourism in these areas will be highly developed and these students will be in demand.

“Through this project, we will afford students from rural areas the opportunity to study in their own areas without coming to Colombo. Once they graduate, they will also have sufficient jobs close to their homes, because new hotels and other tourism based institutes will be constructed,” she added.

She elaborated that most students in these areas are interested in turning out electronic equipment and build programmes using IT. “After their training, they will be able to do it professionally.”

The students will be granted ‘low interest’ loans by the UGC, to be settled within a ‘ specific time period’.

The Chairperson assured that college fees will not be prohibitive, enabling students to settle their loans ‘with ease’, as there will be a good job market in the areas they will be graduating from.

Furthermore, Prof. Hirimburegama highlighted the need for Marine and Space Engineers in the country, adding that, the Higher Education sector in the country intends introducing related subjects into local universities.

“Sri Lanka has more area in space and sea, but have not made use of these natural resources. We have to train our students to make the best out of what we have,” she said.

She further said that the Sri Lanka Quality Framework will guide Educational institutes and help them be internationally recognised.