Mysore University, Spectrum Tech tie up to offer degree courses

by Lalin Fernandopulle

The University of Mysore in collaboration with Sri Lanka's Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology will offer undergraduate and post graduate degree courses for underprivileged students commencing this month.

There is a vast majority of under-privileged student population who cannot enter local universities, let alone imagine a foreign degree from a Western university nor even from an Asian country. The intellectual capabilities of the students need to be developed as potential human capital to advance the country's economy', Chairman, Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology Jayan than Kulasingham said.

The collaborative venture will be of immense benefit to students who will receive quality education from recognised and experienced lecturers from both countries. The academic curricula will be designed to meet the global challenges of the advanced world.

"Commenced in 2001 as a BOI approved company our vision is to develop human capital by providing good training that would enhance economic growth. We provide career-oriented high end educational programs at an affordable price", Kulasigham said.

Prof. Eric Karunanayake of the University of Colombo said in the mid 90s, the World Bank, IMF and other big donor organisations invested in infrastructure development without realising the need to develop knowledge. It was later that the organisations understood the importance of knowledge based development which is the driving force of economic prosperity.

It is knowledge development that brought progress and prosperity to Singapore and Malaysia. Lee Kuan Yew and Dr. Mahathir Mohammed stressed the need for developing knowledge.

In the 1960 Sri Lankan universities offered solid education on science and technology but today it has deteriorated. Today our education does not encourage students to cultivate reading habits to gain knowledge.