New Diploma in Sports Management offers top-level management skills for coaches, PE teachers
The inauguration ceremony of the Kelaniya University Department of Sport Science and Physical Education’s Diploma in Sports Management was recently held at the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium.
The ceremony’s objective was to introduce the respective course units and the academic staff to the newly enrolled students. The keynote speech was delivered by Chief Guest Emeritus Prof. Chandrasiri Rajapaksha, a communication expert and a compiler of communication theories, concepts and applications.
“The University of Kelaniya’s Department of Sport Science and Physical Education are pioneers in introducing such a diploma which caters towards delivering up-to-date knowledge with experts and well-qualified educators assistance, for Sri Lanka’s sports industry,” said Diploma in Sport Management Coordinator and Senior Lecturer Anoma Rathnayaka.
“This is the first time a programme such as this is offered to external candidates, engaged in sports. We have received more than 600 applications. It is open to everyone and has no age limit. The criteria for application is either A/L qualifications and three years work experience in any field or National and International level qualifications and three years work experience in any field, for those with only O/L qualifications,” she said.
“We received applications from rural areas such as Ampara and Batticaloa. I can say after looking at their CV’s, they show a keen interest in sports and they will one day look after Sri Lanka’s sports. I also need to say, our education system needs to change for these qualifications to be recognised in future.”
“We intend to improve the Diploma gradually, to a Higher Diploma and then to Degree status. Many people in our country think it is not Sports Management knowledge which coaches and Physical Education (PE) teachers need, but knowledge in Physical Education. But I must say whichever position is held in sports, top-level management skills are necessary. Our country needs these.”
“Through this programme we intend to offer assignments on Human Resource Management, Sports Policies and Organising of Events & assignments in assessing the theoretical and practical knowledge of each individual’s profession or career,” Mrs Rathnayaka said.
Anoma Rathnayaka had been a voluntary worker for the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee, as a Provincial National Course Director and Women’s Committee Assistant Secretary. She had received a Double Master’s Degree in Mass Communication and Sport Management in 2015, and was the first Sri Lankan woman to receive the Master of Sport Management degree. She was also the first Asian woman to receive a fully funded scholarship for the Master of Sport Management degree at Seoul National University, South Korea.
The University’s Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Prof. M.M. Gunathilake was the event’s Honorable Guest. The Department of Economics Head Prof. H.M. Nawarathna Banda, Department of Sociology Head Dr. D.M. Ubesekara Dissanayake, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education Head Jayantha Kalansooriya and Department of Sport Science and Physical Education staff members also attended.
- Nilanthi Wickramasinghe