University Reforms should meet local needs - Mahinda Wijesekera

By L.S.A. Wedaarachchi

wedaarachchi@sundayobserver.lk

University education should be reformed according to the local needs, said Special Projects, Posts and Telecommunication Minister, Mahinda Wijesekera.

The educational reforms made in the 1950s such as the shift from English to Suwabasha was a landmark change in the education of Sri Lanka. But the reforms have a negative effect on the standard of the present education, he said.

The Minister said that IT and English are essential to meet the present demands of employment.

One year or six months program in English and IT should be given to students who get through the university entrance exam before commencing university education, he said.

Mahinda Wijesekera who was appointed the president of the Alumni Association of Sri Jayawardenapura (Vidyodaya) University said that university alumni should impart the knowledge and experience they acquired through the university education. The members of the Alumni Association have a duty to ensure the welfare of the present student community, he said.

The Golden Jubilee of the Sri Jayawardanapura University falls next year and the Executive committee of the Sri Jayawardanapura University Alumni Association will meet next week to discuss preparations.

W.W. Abeyratne Bandara, Senior Lecturer, University of Jayawardanapura was nominated the Secretary of the Executive Committee which comprises 40 members.