MAS Athena teams up with University of Kelaniya

by Rohana Jayalal

Research and innovation has been major contributory factor for developing countries to advance economically, Vice Chancellor, University of Kelaniya, Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara told guests at the signing of MoU with MAS Athena.

MAS Athena hopes to offer programs in affiliation with esteemed institutions such as the University of Kelaniya and other local and foreign universities to promote post-graduate level advanced research, Prof. Maddumabandara said.

As an initial step, the University of Kelaniya has agreed to accredit the programs conducted by MAS Athena. The research centre of the Faculty of the Science and MAS Holdings have developed a program of academic and research activity which will be beneficial to both institutions.

In the developed world, technical problems in industries are solved in collaboration with universities and some of their research and development activities are carried out by universities.

This program will definitely be beneficial not only for both parties but also the economy of the country, the Professor said.

Only a few faculties in Sri Lankan universities have intellectual relationships with industries, he said.

Chairman, MAS Holdings, Mahesh Amalean said higher education will continue to play a key role in economic development in any country. We must work towards the new Sustainable Development Goals, for which we need skilled professionals.

"Our aim is to providing employment-oriented education to youth. Although in Sri Lanka we have a good educational standards, there is a weakness when it comes to higher education.

There is a mismatch between training and what is needed by companies. This is an area we hope to target," the Chairman said.

The training programs of MAS Athena will facilitate employment opportunities for young people in under-privileged areas. In addition to providing courses in textile and garment manufacturing other subjects will also be offered.

MAS has a legacy of fostering a culture of learning, within the organisation. It nurtures a continuous improvement mind-set coupled with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Located in Sri Lanka's first private apparel intensive zone; MAS Fabric Park, MAS Athena is also geared to provide industrial training and internship opportunities for its affiliated university undergraduates.