RIHS joins IGNOU to offer academic programmes

The Regent International Institute of Higher Studies (RIIHS) entered into a partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, India to offer its academic programmes which are recognized by the University Grant Commissions of Commonwealth Nations in Sri Lanka from January 2007.

IGNOU has been recognized as the "word's largest university" that caters to over 1.5 million students worldwide. It was established by an Act of Parliament of India in 1985 to offer over 125 academic programmes covering major disciplines, including postgraduate (MBA, M.Sc., PG Diploma), bachelors (B.Com), Diploma and Certificate programmes in finance, marketing, human resources, operations and disaster management, information technology and computer applications, nutrition & health education etc.

Located in Gampaha just 200 m away from the Colombo-Kandy (A1) highway, RIIHS is one of the largest and purpose-built private higher education institutes operating outside the Colombo metropolitan area. RIIHS is equipped with modern and well-fitted lecture halls, computer laboratories, library, and recreation facilities (e.g. 25m swimming pool built to international standards, gym).

The inauguration of the academic programmes was carried out under the auspices of Prof. V.N. Rajasekaran, the Vice Chancellor of the IGNOU on December 19, 2006 at the RIIHS. "This distance learning system" comprehensive set of modules is prepared by the IGNOU and provided to the students. Further, a sufficient number of contact sessions for each course and other required services including effective counseling will be provided by the RIIHS during weekends

The programmes will be very cost effective as compared to others in similar capacity, since the "IGNOU-RIIHS partnership" allows students to pay their course fees as per the SAARC norms on a semester basis.

RIIHS believes this partnership provides a marvellous opportunity for Sri Lankans including those who work or wish to work in any of the above areas but are unable to attend classes regularly to obtain a specified qualification. Also the students registered for these programmes will be able to carry out their studies at "their own pace and place" and participate in contact sessions, if required.