Students laud Leadership Training program

by Uditha KUMARASINGHE

The Leadership Training and Positive Thinking Development Training Course launched by the Higher Education Ministry has made a tremendous impact on university entrants during the past few days. They have commended the Government for providing a systematic training to develop their personalities.

Due to the successful implementation of the program, the university entrants have asked the authorities to extend the three-week program by another week.

However, the Ministry has not yet decided to extend the program which will conclude on June 12, Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

The training program was inaugurated at Temple Trees on May 23 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The cost of the program is estimated at Rs. 180 million.

Dr. Nawaratne said that students who participated in this program described it as a special privilege provided by the Government to evaluate their future plans to pursue higher education with a university oriented mindset.

This is the first time that a Government has organised a residential camp such as this for the university entrants.

According to Dr.Nawaratne 8500 university entrants have participated in the leadership training program which is being successfully conducted at 28 countrywide Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Cadet Corps training centres.

Some of the students could not attend the program due to personal reasons such as examinations and illnesses.

In addition, some students have not received their letters on time to attend the program.

The program will provide theoretical and practical training on leadership, positive attitudes, strategic planning, team work, conflict resolution, first aid and grooming, he said.