Education-strong SL has moved down international education rankings
Sri Lanka, once an epitome of good, quality education in the pre- and immediate-post independence era, has seen a serious erosion of this once, quality sector when compared to international standards, according to experts.
According to global data published in 2015, Sri Lanka has been placed as the 77th country (in ranking) where education was concerned which is a poor show, according to the former Vice Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Chandra Embuldeniya. He was speaking as the chief guest at the “Launch of opportunities – Career and Skills Summit” held at Westminister House in Colombo this week. The 2-day summit will be held on 5-6 March 2016 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo.
Prof. Embuldeniya said the Uva Wellassa University produces graduates with skills needed by companies. The British universities on the other hand have in their curriculum subjects to improve skills of undergraduates.
British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Maldives James Dauris said one needs to have competent graduates who are not only educated with formal qualifications but possessing soft skills when they start work.
He said even President Maithripala Sirisena had spoken in parliament about the need to develop young human capital with soft skills if the country was to move on from a lower income level to a higher level.
The main aim of the summit organised by the British Council in Sri Lanka is to bridge the gap between prospective employers and skilled UK-qualified graduates. The event is a two way process where employers will be able to screen CV’s prior to meeting with potential candidates and the prospective candidates will also be able to view details of the employers they are interested in.
According to the British Council, skills development has taken centre stage as many countries in South Asia have attempted to empower its citizens to enter the mainstream workforce. The summit will also be used as a platform to identify and improve skills for employability by partnering with industries and professional bodies in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
Country Director of the British Council in Sri Lanka Keith Davies said one of the aims of the institution is to create opportunities for Sri Lanka’s young people to advance their career and improve their lives. Britain is the largest partner for international education in Sri Lanka. “There were two British Vice Chancellors who visited Sri Lanka last week,” he said.