Financial Times

Education must suit modern times

If education is to be of any use to society, its purpose and methodology should change according to the needs of the times. Especially in the case of university education, the authorities should display more creativity to bring about the necessary reforms, said Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, and Minister of Constitutional Affairs.

He was speaking at the recent preliminary sessions of the "Ceylinco Graduate Entrepreneur Development Programme", implemented jointly by the Ministry of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Universities of Colorado, Kelaniya, Sri Jayawardenepura and Wayamba.

Participants included Pradeep Randiwela - Dean of the Faculty of Management and Finance - University of Colombo, Ajith Madurapperuma Director, L. Wickremarachchi in charge of the Accountancy Division and Prof. Chandima Wijebandara of the Sri Jayawardhenepura University, Dr. P.M.C. Tillekeratne of the Kelaniya University together with heads of the divisions and representatives of universities.

Under this programme, arrangements will be made for a student who has graduated to either singularly or jointly commence entrepreneurial activity through financial facilities and other services that would be provided by the Ceylinco Group. Already the group is making arrangements for some graduates in the north-western region to receive benefits under this scheme.

Peiris said that providing job opportunities to all unemployed graduates cannot single handedly be done by the government, the reason being non-availability of job opportunities in the government sector. Similarly, in the present economic conditions, those who apply for jobs do not possess adequate training and know-how to secure positions available in the job market. This problem is mainly connected with the knowledge English and computer literacy.

He said it was necessary to draw up a programme to direct undergraduates for training in the private sector, including practical sessions in the final year syllabus and directing them for employment in the private sector during the day with cover up lectures in the evenings and weekends.