“Forging Partnerships and Shaping Futures” – CEO Lasantha De Silva, speaks about

What is UCL and what is your vision?

UCL is about “Forging Partnerships and Shaping Futures.” We strive to offer the best education in the Sri Lankan education market, through unique partnerships creating an unmatched opportunity, not limiting to the Sri Lankan youth but also to the youth of South Asia. We envision being a leader in educating and training work ready professionals, contributing to the social and economic development of all.

UCL was formed by three principals; Gateway Group of Organizations Chairman Dr Harsha Alles, South Asian businessman Mr Bob Kundanmal, who heads the Sino Lanka Group of Companies, comprising of hotels, hospitals and international schools and The Boston Consulting Group partner and Managing Director, Mr Zarif Munir.

How does UCL differ from other educational provider institutes?

We strongly believe that future employees should not only possess knowledge in different streams of study but also of the right personality, competencies and skills to increase their global employability. Undergraduate studies should not merely focus on knowledge but is a complete package that transforms a student from his/her secondary education to a thorough individual who is prepared to work in a rapidly changing technologically advanced world with scarce resources. We believe the students registering with UCL to be advantaged as they; experience cultural diversity, enhance their global network and become a part of an international community with a mind-set who understands demographic differences to succeed in their endeavours, through a partnership that is unparalleled to any other.

Why do you think international education is important and why an Australian qualification?

At present, appreciation and understanding of other cultures is the key for international business that has allowed many foreign collaboration and numerous successful multi-national conglomerates around the world. International education, especially tertiary education is the primary means by which people bridge the cul- tural gap and the linguistic divide in a swiftly changing global village.

Australia is the 3rd most preferred destination by international students in the English speaking world and importantly, Australia is one of the most preferred destinations for Sri Lankans to either study or work, and hence through UCL we would like to give a chance to all such aspirants to jump- start their education and career dreams right here and within accessible distance to the place we call home.

The high quality of education, cultural diversity, and the government contribution towards scientific research are few key reasons why we chose an Australian University as our strategic partner.

Why did UCL choose Monash as a partner amongst hundreds of others in Australia?

Monash has a strong track-record of conducting research and innovation in various fields. In future this would give Sri Lankan students and the industry a chance to be part of numerous collaborative projects. Further, for UCL, the following facts of Monash are a manifestation of our rational to this partnership: One of the Top 1% of the World Universities Triple Crowned Go8 University with triple international business school accreditations # 33 in the world from which to hire graduates Monash is one of the most internationally oriented universities where over 33% of their students are non-Australians

Why should UCL be a student’s first choice when commencing their university education?

In the global knowledge-driven economy, UCL believes that Sri Lanka needs to educate its youth to be highly competent and skilled who can contend with the best and the brightest in the world. Thus inimitable foreign partnerships with prestigious research institutions that have thrived to be the best in the world were agreed to as a part of the solution. The inquiry based learning methods used at UCL that are different to the traditional local education system in Sri Lanka expects the students to acquire a global perspective, as a consequence helping them to become better citizen of the global village who can contribute to the global economy. I would like to invite all interested parents and students to visit our

campus located at 503, Sri Jayawardenapura Mawatha, Rajagiriya to experience what we offer at UCL or

visit us at www.ucl.lk