Kelaniya university students arrested over removing CCTV
16 Kelaniya university students arrested over removing campus CCTV camera system. 12 students granted police bail and charges to be filed against 4 others under Pubic Properties Act over removing CCTV. 4 students remanded till March 3rd by Mahara magistrate court. Administration board of Kelaniya University says steps will be taken to reinstall the damaged CCTV security system at the university premises.
Media Director of the Kelaniya University Senior Lecturer Vijayananda Rupasinghe said students who damaged the security camera system have been identified, whilst steps will be taken against them. Rupasinghe stressed the CCTV system was installed to protect students and their belongings, thereby dismissing allegations that the system was put in place with the intent of supressing students.
The University Media Director noted that the security system, installed following the Easter terror attacks, was set up in order to safeguard both students and the university premises.
Twelve out of the sixteen arrested university students over the removal of CCTV cameras from the University of Kelaniya have been granted police bail.
The remaining 4 students, who had been directly involved with the act, will be filed charges under the Public Properties Act, stated the police.
Earlier today (27), 16 university students including a monk were arrested over the removal of CCTV cameras from the University of Kelaniya premises.
On February 24, certain members of the Student Union of the University of Kelaniya had forcibly removed the CCTV cameras fixed at university premises for security purposes.
The Student Union had objected to the fixation of the cameras charging that this was done as a measure to control students.
After the removal of the cameras, the members of the Student Union had claimed responsibility for the action and stated that it had been done as a sign of protest.
The next day (February 25), the removed CCTV cameras had been returned to a point in the university.
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa progress of first 100 days
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government education projects progress of first 100 days. February 25th, 2020 marks the completion of first 100 days of after assumption of office by Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
A summary of Education Project decisions and actions taken in accordance with ‘Saubhagyaye Dekma’ during this period is given below.
Sri Lanka Education Progress
Upgrade 1000 schools to the level of National Schools.
Ensure University admission for every student who qualify through A/L examination
A program to provide vocational training coupled with proficiency in English language and Information Technology who do not qualify to pursue higher education had been launched
Establish a Task Force to provide 100,000 employment opportunities to under-skilled youth from low income families
Measures are underway to offer degrees to those follow nursing and teacher training courses
Steps have been taken to implement the proposals to reform the education sector by establishing a Task Force on education
Measures are underway to establish a National Defence Academy and offer higher diploma courses in Defence Studies
Commenced the program to provide employments to unemployed graduates / diploma holders in order to harness their contribution to the growth of national economy
Increasing the maximum age limit to 45 years to apply for the Graduates Employment Scheme
Sri Lanka Government has called for applications from the unemployed youth between 18-45 years, who have educational qualifications below the ordinary level, for the establishment of the task force.
The Program to provide jobs for all unemployed graduates and diploma holders has commenced. In line with its election pledge, the new government of Sri Lanka is to provide employment opportunities in the state sector for about 50,000 unemployed graduates by 1 March this year.
Madrasas School in Sri Lanka Muslim religious schools to regulate
Parliament Committee has recommended that all students studying in Muslim Madrassa Schools / institutions should be absorbed into the education system under the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education within three years.
In a special report submitted to the parliament by the Committee on February 19 recommends number of measures for the government to take in education sector.
The measures include the establishment of a special committee for the regulation of Madrassah institutions / Muslim Madrassa Schools under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, subjecting curriculum taught in all educational institutes under approval of the National Institute of Education, and appointment of a reputed expert panel for future editions of Islamic text books among others.
According to the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs officials, there are 1,669 Islam ‘Madrasa’ schools and 317 Arabic schools registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs all over the country.
The report was prepared by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security made the suggestions in order to prevent the re-occurrence of a similar situation as the Easter Sunday attack in last year.
This report, which has been named as the “Report on the proposal to draft and implement legislation to ensure national security eradicating terrorism and extremism and strengthening rapport between nations and religions” was tabled in Parliament by the Chairman of the committee, MP Malith Jayatilake.
The Committee also recommended to ban all face coverings such as veils and Burqas that will prevent identification of persons. The report states that a number of countries have already banned the burqa and on September 5, 2019, ISIS headquarters in Syria also banned the Burqa.
The report contains recommendations on 14 areas including formulating a National Security Policy addressing the challenges of possible future terrorist attacks, amending Immigration and Emigration Law, monitoring of electronic, print & social media, amending the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, empowering the Muslim civil society, establishing Dhamma schools to ensure inter-religious harmony and regulating of madrasas curriculum.
The committee was set up following Easter Sunday attacks last year in which over 260 people were killed.
Sri Lanka Government Plans to provide 100000 jobs to unskilled youths in 2020.
The Multi purpose Development Task Force (MDTF) has received about 500,000 applications for the Multipurpose Vocational Training Programme for which 100,000 will be recruited for jobs.
The program has been setup on the direct supervision of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa under the all Island poverty alleviation programme that was launched under the ‘Vision of Prosperity’ of the President. Major General (Rtd) Nanda Mallawaarachchi has been appointed the Director General of the Department.
Sources from the Multi purpose Development Task Force (MDTF) programme reveal that the interviews for selecting the applicants will commence on February 26. Those selected will be given appointment letters after the training. The trainee job seekers will be given six months vocational training in various practical study courses according to their talents, qualifications and ambitions.
A spokesman of the MDTF Department told that once the well-designed training is over, the task force will be entrusted to start vegetable growing, village level industrial projects, irrigation renovation work and construction work. One unit will be deployed to manufacture carbonic fertilizer.
In addition to a promised pay packs, the trainees will be provided with Infra structural facilities for them to work in a comfortable working atmosphere, the spokesman further said.
Interest Free Students Loan for Higher Education Degrees Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Ministry of Higher Education introduces Interest Free Student Loan Scheme for year 2020.
Interest Free Student Loan Scheme has been introduced by Sri Lanka government to expand higher education opportunities for the students who are unable to secure a placement in State Universities although they have qualified in G. C. E. (Advanced Level) Examination, to achieve their higher education aspirations.
Expanding opportunities for students to enter into the
interest free student loan scheme that is provided for students to pursue
Degree Courses at Non-Government Higher Education Institutions. The proposal
presented by Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation to expand
the interest free Student Loan Scheme, with the aim of producing 10,000
Graduates with technical knowledge to meet the requirements of Vistas of
Prosperity Splendor was approved by the cabinet of Ministers.
http://studentloans.mohe.gov.lk/loan_application/
Production of a human capital reserve with high standards that is essential for economic and human development of the country is expected from the higher education system. Availability of a human capital reserve with such a higher education level is a significant factor for the country’s future development. However, the majority of the students those who were not able to secure seats in State Universities are not in a position to afford the course charges in foreign universities, foreign university affiliated local institutes or local non-state degree awarding institutes recognized under Universities Act. Considering the requirement, Interest Free Student Loan Scheme has been introduced as the direction of budget proposal in the year 2017 with the objective of increasing higher education opportunities for the students’ community with the partnership of Non State Higher Education Institutes (NSHEIs).
Accordingly, Sri Lanka government provides an interest free loan for students subject to a maximum loan amount of Rs. 800,000/– for pursuing degree programs with higher market demand and professional value, which are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovations. Further, an interest free loan subject to a maximum amount of Rs. 300,000/- can be obtained by the students as their wish to cover the additional expenses. The interest will be paid by the government on behalf of the students and the capital outstanding should be paid by the students within seven (7) or eight (8) years after completing the degree of three (3) or four (4) years and succeeding one- year grace period of time.
What is Interest Free Loan Scheme?
It is an Interest Free Loan, granted to the students who have qualified in G.C.E (A/L) but have not been selected to a State University based on the Z-score to follow a Degree offered by Non-State Higher Education Institutes recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education / University Grants Commission UGC.
What are the qualifications for the Scheme?
Students who have qualified in G.C.E (A/L) Examination but have not been selected to a State University. Further details could be obtained from paper advertisements or from www.mohe.gov.lk web site.
What are the Institutes that offer Degree Programs under this Scheme?
• Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology – SLIIT
• National School of Business Management – NSBM
• Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College –
CINEC
• Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy – SIBA
• The Institute of Chartered Accounts of Sri Lanka – ICASL
• SANASA Campus (PVT) Ltd – SANASA
• HORIZON College of Business and Technology Ltd – HORIZON
• KAATSU Highly Advanced Medical Technology Training Centre
– KIU
• SLT Campus (Pvt) Ltd – SLTC
• SAEGIS Campus (Pvt) Ltd- SAEGIS
What is the duration of the Degree Program and the Loan amount?
03 years Degree – Rs.600,000/=
04 years Degree – Rs.800,000/=
What are the limitations for admission?
Students who have already registered for any course in a
State University or registered for Foreign Scholarship programs cannot be
registered for this Scheme. Students who have already registered for any course
and continuing education in a Non-State Higher Education Institute destined to
be implemented this Scheme are also considered disqualified.
How can this loan be obtained?
According to the agreement made between the students who are
selected to follow Degrees and the Banks, this Interest Free Loan will be given
to the relevant institutes as installments.
Contact Details
Director (Students Loans),
Non-State Higher Education Division,
Ministry of Higher Education Technology and Innovation,
Calculators introduced for several A/L subjects Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Examination Department’s attention has been drawn on granting permission at the A/L exam this time for using Calculators for several subjects. Accordingly students have the opportunity to use the Calculator for A/L Accounting, Biological system technology, Engineering Technology, and Technology.
Similarly the examination department said that from this year opportunity would be given for using the normal calculator at the competitive examination in the recruitment for the Sri Lanka Accountancy Service.
A/L Students can now count on calculators to be allowed at exams. Invigilators appointed by the Examinations Department had been given training recently on inspecting calculators brought into examination centres, to make sure they are non-programmable ones, Examinations Chief Sanath Pujitha said.
For the first time in the history of state examinations, the use of a calculator will be allowed February 16 at the Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service’s competition exam.
The Open / Limited Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service – 2017 / 2018 (2020), conducted by the Examinations Department will be held on February 16, 22 and 23.
Those sitting for this examination will be allowed to use a non-programmable calculator. The use of calculators will be allowed for this years’ Advanced Level (A/L) examination as well.
“Calculators will be allowed for A/L accountancy, bio system technology, engineering technology and science for technology examination papers this August,” Mr. Pujitha told.
The calculators will be thoroughly checked by invigilators before students enter the examination halls he said. However, electronic calculators, calculators in mobile phones will be strictly prohibited.
Education Services State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said this week, this move is a step forward in the country’s examination system which needs to meet with international examination standards, by using technology instead of the traditional multiplication table.
university curricular fitting the job market demand Sri Lanka News
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that the present education system should be reformed in order to achieve a rapid growth in economy. During the meeting at the Presidential Secretariat the president advised the vice-chancellors and the officials of the University Grants Commission to revise the university course system / curricular in accordance with the local and international job market demand.
President wants a university curricular fitting the job market demand. President added that Sri Lanka possesses an educated, technology-savvy labour force which is more than capable in aiding and pushing Sri Lanka towards development. President Rajapaksa went on to note that employment generation centered around Tourism, Cultivation and Plantations could jump-start the economy. He highlighted that despite the number of job vacancies in the areas of Medicine, Engineering, Nursing and Information technology the university system had failed to address the issue over the time.
Reforms should be economy based and scientific
Priority for Information Technology and Languages
Formation of a National Education policy
President pointed out that it is absolutely necessary to consider these grave issues when forming policies relating to tertiary education.President further added that the addition of Information Technology and a language as a subject for Arts degrees would pave the way for an expedited development process within the next three years.“University course contents should serve the job market demand and political pressures and other interference should be ignored in this matter. We can never compromise our nation. Take right decisions to make this country strong again”. President requested the Vice Chancellors.
The President stated that it is important to establish a national education policy so that no future government can deviate from the national education policy. President added that for this purpose he would go for a referendum if needed.“The universities should possess the right to select students in accordance with the course content they offer at the university. Building new universities and addressing issues pertaining to other facilities is the responsibility of the University Grants Commission. For student guidance programs in relation to newly implemented courses Ministry of Education can use premises such as the BMICH.” President added.
The president advised the University Grants Commission to relax some of the regulations imposed on law students in the Kothalawala Defence University.President Rajapakasa highlighted the need for the University Grants Commission to oversee the entire education system without confining itself to the administration of universities.
President advised it was wise and appropriate to apply resources into research and technological equipment as it would lead to a more qualitative education framework.President finally advised the officials present to introduce faster internet technology as current university students require speedy access to Information for their researches and experiments.
Minister of Higher Education, Bandula Gunawardana, Secretary to the president, P.B Jayasundara, Senior President’s Counsellor, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Anura Dissanayake, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor Sampath Amaratunga and Vice-Chancellors of all the universities were present at the discussion.
Sri Lanka University Ragging Campus Rag Nawaka Wadaya News
Sri Lanka University Grants Commission (UGC) appointed a seven member Committee of Inquiry headed by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court for the purpose of recommending appropriate relief to victims of ragging and to propose suitable measures to prevent ragging.
This measure has been initiated within the new development approach of Vistas of prosperity and splendor parallel to the implementation of the new program of providing higher education opportunities for all the students who have passed the GCE A/L examination and become eligible for admission to a University or other Higher Education Institute.
The Committee has decided to call for applications for relief from student who were selected for admission to a University /Higher Educational Institute coming within the purview of the University Grants Commission for the Academic year 2014/2015 to 2018/2019 And who were prevented from enrolling or after enrolling forced to discontinue their higher studies in such University or Higher Education Institute due to become victims of ragging.
If you are a student who has been deprived of the opportunity of commencing or completing your university education during the period above due to becoming a victim of ragging, you may apply for relief by furnishing the following information by way of affidavit with relevant with documentation /evidence in support of your claim for relief to the above mentioned Committee on or before 28th February 2020
Sri Lanka to setup International Foreign University Branches under Free Education Investment Zone
Dr. Bandula Gunawardane, the new government of Sri Lanka’s higher education minister, has given the green light to several education reforms, including a new push to allow branches of world-class foreign universities to be set up in Sri Lanka.
On 22 January, Sri Lanka cabinet ministers approved a proposal to establish a ‘free education investment zone’ to attract investors who wish to set up branches of world-class foreign universities. The government will provide an attractive package including basic infrastructure facilities, and land and tax breaks to foreign investors. It has already allocated land for the project in a proposed 700-acre investment zone located in Horana, Millewa, close to the capital, Colombo.
The government is planning to follow the model of the Special Economic Zones programme that Malaysia executed during the 2000s to attract investors.
Gunawardane says the aim is to attract foreign and non-residential students to pursue higher education in Sri Lanka, with the intention of making Sri Lanka an education hub in the region.
According to the submitted cabinet paper, the ministry is mainly focusing on attracting students from South Asian and East Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Maldives and Indonesia, all countries it identifies as having a growing middle class whose parents face financial difficulties sending their children to Western countries.
It also thought that the establishment of foreign branch campuses will minimise brain drain and encourage local students who have left the country to come back.
Every year about 10,000 Sri Lankan students go to foreign countries seeking higher education opportunities, draining more than US$400 million in foreign exchange out of the country.
State university students are protesting .
Student resistance
Several attempts by the previous governments to introduce private universities and branches failed due to huge student resistance. The proposed private university bill put forward by the Rajapaksa government was withdrawn in 2012 because of huge student opposition, for instance.
The government is planning to host an investment symposium in Sri Lanka in June this year to bring together about 40 world-class foreign universities’ heads. The higher education ministry is seeking financial assistance from the government to develop the infrastructure facilities in the economic zone and to organise the investment symposium.
The master plan, which is under discussion, will include road access to the investment zone, electricity, water supply, internet, transportation, aesthetic activities, urban planning and other activities.
Proposals also suggest that 5% of the intake of the international branches should be allotted to local students under a special scholarship programme; and the establishment of a knowledge-sharing programme through the academic staff of those international universities.
The president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, won the election in November after pledging wholesale changes to create a new education system based on innovation and knowledge. Last month, in line with its promise, the new government announced a radical plan to provide employment opportunities in the state sector for about 50,000 unemployed graduates by 1 March this year.
Sri Lanka Private University Rankings Foreign Campus 2020 World Ranks
Sri Lankan Private Universities, Campuses and Higher Education Institutes World Rankings 2020 new edition has been released by Webometrics.
What are the BEST / top private universities in Sri Lanka?
According to the 2020 latest edition, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology SLIIT has become Sri Lanka’s best private university. According to world rankings, SLIIT has ranked 5528 th place.
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University KDU secured No: 2 place while National Institute of Fundamental Studies Sri Lanka listed as 3rd place. Industrial Technology Institute listed as number 4 & ESOFT Metro Campus ranked as No: 5th place. National Institute of Business Management NIBM jumped to 7th Place. Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology Sri Lanka APIIT has ranked as 8th Place. Informatics Institute of Technology Sri Lanka IIT ranked No:9th place according to the latest release.
