The 4th of November 2011 was a significant and historic day for the higher education sector of Sri Lanka. Imperial Institute of Higher Education ( IIHE) being one of the pioneers in tertiary education institutes in the country officially opened it's state of the art campus premises in Colombo 04. The campus was declared open by the Honorable Minister of Higher Education Mr S B Dissanayake who was the chief guest on the occasion. Professor Nigel Palastanga Pro Vice chancellor of the University of Wales along with other officials of the University also attended the event.
Prior to the inauguration ceremony the minister was ushered around the campus premises along with all other invitees present on the special occasion. The new facilities include seven fully equipped and well spaced out lecture halls, three computer laboratories fully fledged with state of the art technology , a impressive library with a wide range of books, periodicals and international journals. The honorable minister was impressed by the facility and commended the interior and outlook of it. Once the formal procession was over the honorable minister was introduced to Professor Nigel Palastanga the pro vice chancellor of the University of Wales and the other UOW officials.
Dr Thilaka Weerakoon CEO and Academic director delivered the welcome speech where he stated that "IIHE believes that there is a huge potential for Sri Lanka to become a provider of higher education at affordable costs even to the students from the other nations where tuition fees are rising at an alarming rate." He further stated that this milestone of the history of IIHE demonstrates the institute's commitment to the youth of the country and the contribution of high quality education to the private tertiary education industry in Sri Lanka.
Professor Nigel Palastanga the Pro vice chancellor of the University of Wales addressing the gathering stated that "The University of Wales, is to merge with Trinity St. David and Swansea Metropolitan University, under the Trinity Royal Charter to form the University of Wales Trinity St David. " The new vice chancellor has made it clear that he wishes to continue with the international role of the university whilst introducing a new model for their off shore centers which would be better and more stringent in offering quality programs."
He also said that he is pleased to announce that there have never been any concerns with the Imperial Institute of Higher education in Sri Lanka, where IIHE has continued to deliver on exemplary standards in their adherence to the quality and values in place by the university.
The honorable Minister Mr S B Dissanayake addressed the gathering by commending IIHE for its remarkable new campus and the contributions made to the higher education sector for the last 15 years in Sri Lanka.
"As the minister in charge of higher education I am committed to ensure free education. I'm equally committed to open opportunities for the private sector to participate in higher education" stated the honorable minister.
He also stated that he is pleased to note that IIHE has been directly associated with the prestigious University of Wales and was proud that IIHE had earned a reputation as a world class provider of tertiary education in the country. The ceremony concluded by the vote of thanks which was addressed by the President of the Student union of IIHE Chulani Nipunika.
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| The honorable minister lighting the oil lamp |
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| Dr Thilaka Weerakoon Lighting the oil lamp |
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| The official opening of the new campus by Honorable Minister S B Dissanayake |
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| The honorable Minister of Higher Education Mr S BDissanayake with the CEO of IIHE |
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| Honorable Minister of Higher education S B. Dissanayake entering the new campus of IIHE and greeting all those present atthe occasion |
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| CEO OF IIHE Dr Thilaka Weerakoon welcomes theProfessor Nigel Palastanga Pro vice chancellor of UOW |
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