Call for universities to help students
Universities can support national development programs in the country
extending their services and sharing physical and professional resources
with a vast majority of students who are qualified at the Advanced Level
but not privileged to enter universities, the Vice Chancellor of the
University of Peradeniya, Prof. SBS Abeykoon said.
At the passing out of 40 community professionals who completed a
45-day residential training program at the Agriculture Faculty of the
university, Prof. Abeykooon said that universities have confined
themselves to the traditional role of awarding degrees to a few students
who have passed the Advanced Level examination but have neglected the
vast majority of students who have been left behind thus neglecting the
national needs of the country.
“We are happy to support national development programs launched by
the Ministry of Economic Development by giving scientific and practical
training in agriculture for youth. This program is practical and
directly focused on young agricultural entrepreneurs who are ready to
start self- employment ventures”, he said.
Under the program 40 youth from rural areas were trained and the
program was launched jointly with the Second Community Development and
Livelihood Improvement Project (SCDLIP) of the Ministry of Economic
Development to direct community professionals engaged with the project
for self- employment ventures.
These community professionals give extended services and support
beneficiaries of the SCDLIP and it is expected that they could earn an
income by providing these services.
However, the income they received was not sufficient and on
instructions from Minister Basil Rajapaksa, a project has been drawn to
direct them to self- employment ventures. They participated in a
three-month residential training at the Agriculture Faculty of the
University and obtained practical knowledge in scientific agriculture
practices, use of fertiliser, selection of seeds, post harvest
technology, marketing and farming in polytunnel uses.
The project grants 50 percent of the cost of the polytunnel uses,
supports them to obtain bank loans and market their products.
The project also includes the implementation of the Divineguma
program and commencement of the polytunnel projects in each village in
the project area covering seven districts.
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