Demand for higher education on the rise

By Ashraff A. Samad

Two hundred and eighty three graduates from four faculties of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) were conferred degrees at the fifth Convocation ceremony held at the BMICH on January 19.

Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry, Vice Chairman of the University Grant Commission said that (SEUSL) was set up in 1995. The university has four faculties with ten departments and two units in key disciplines such as arts and culture, applied science, management and commerce and Islamic studies and Arabic language.

The University had 26 senior lecturers and around 1,200 students in 2007. "The demand for higher education in Sri Lanka is one the rise.

The gross enrolment ratio is around 11%. There is an imbalance in regional development with unequal education opportunities within the country, he said.

The Professor Sultanbawa Memorial Medal was presented to the best student in Chemistry, A. L. H. Banu.

Dr. M. H. M. Ashraff Memorial Medal was presented to the best student in Science, Mohamed Musthafa Zathiha and Professor Kailasapathy Memorial Medal for the best student in Tamil A. F. Jensiya.

For the last 14 years the University has moved on with specific goals according to Vice Chancellor of South Eastern University Dr. A. G. Hussain Ismail.

A master plan has been prepared to provide infrastructure facilities to suit the growing needs of the University.

In 2008 a new centre was set up at a cost of Rs. 158 million.

The phase I (a) of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka Development Project has commenced at a cost of Rs. 900 million with Kuwait funding.

In 2008 the University introduced a BSc degree programme in IT and Management studies.