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Colombo University’s hostel facility made self sustainable
View(s):The University of Colombo aims at generate sufficient funds to maintain their student residence facilities through the new exhibition and convention centre in Telawala.
The centre, designed as part of the Telawala hostel project, will be up to international standards to attract private establishments to use the facilities. The first batch of students moved into the Telawala student residence wing last week after its renovation.
The residence wing houses 240 female students and is equipped with modern amenities. The Telawala hostel facility was abandoned years ago due to its dilapidated state. However, as part of the solution to the accommodation shortage problem faced by the country’s only metropolitan university, Telawala hostel underwent rapid renovation last year with the help of the Army.
“Our aim is to bring all our residence facilities on par with international standards. This is one step towards that. The facility will also look at generating funds, which would be a much needed income to maintain all our residence facilities,” University of Colombo, Vice Chancellor, Dr W.K. Hirimburegama told Education Times.
The university, in collaboration with the SLTB, has arranged transport for the undergraduates, to and from the hostel to the University.
“I have instructed the students to buy their season tickets. The service will also run in the evening, as unlike earlier, now lectures go on till 6 pm, so students will need a bus,” he said.
With a view to contributing to the skills development of the students of Telawala residence, the university is partnering private organisations to conduct training programmes. SriLankan Airlines has already conducted a programme in confidence building and grooming and presentation to the 1st-year residents of Telawala. The university is also exploring avenues to work with Brandix, as part of their CSR programme to develop long term career guidance and an internship programme for the student residents.
“The approach to the Telawala hostel differs because we don’t treat this as just an accommodation. We want to ensure we contribute to the development of the students’ skills and knowledge. We have three academic wardens who have been given specific responsibilities, and who are very involved with the students. In any other university hostel facility, wardens and sub wardens hardly visit the facility, but here, they have a marked presence, for the students to approach,” Dr Hirimburegama explained.
According to him, the university is also looking at a skills development programme for the resident facility involving both university officials and private sector partnerships, to span the undergraduate years.
One of the main issues faced by the University of Colombo is providing accommodation for its students, he said. Explaining that, due to its location, students also struggle to find private accommodation as well, Dr. Hirimburegama said that the university is looking at a lasting solution.
- Chathuri Dissanayake