Gateway launches graduate school of education

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

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Gateway, one of Sri Lanka’s leading educational organisations launched its graduate school of education last week.

The Gateway Graduate School in close proximity to Parliament Road, Kotte offers degree programs from the University of Wales, in partnership with NCC Education of the United Kingdom. the Gateway Graduate School consists of state-of-the-art facilities for modern teaching.

The British High Commissioner, Dr. Peter Hayes, the Chief Guest said the opportunity to express oneself through dance, music and art was important for development whether at school or any other organisation.

He said Sri Lanka’s track record for education has been recognised for a very long time.Education was about unlocking potential of individuals and it was therefore important for students to realise this.

Although education was expensive it was a worthy investment and especially education of youth was the foundation stone of any country. The Gateway College was doing its part to encourage students to study and work in the country.

“I hope those who have gone oversees to study, would think of coming back home to contribute towards the development of the country. For every challenge and every problem of the country, the solution begins with education and Gateway plays a valuable role, he said.

Manager Academic Support of Education, U. K. Andrew Rennie said their relationship with Gateway is more than a partnership. It was a liaison among a close set of friends working together to bring an educational program for the next generation.

Director, British Council Gill Westaway, the Guest of Honour said that the British Council and Gateway share a strong desire to provide education for young people in the country. With the introduction of BSC courses of the University of Wales, students will be able to complete the degree programs in Sri Lanka.

The Governor, Gateway Graduate School Prof. Dayantha Wijesekera said there were advantages and disadvantages while studying abroad. Studying abroad gives a wide exposure and experience to mix with different ethnic and cultural groups.

But the disadvantages would involve the high cost of education and separation from one’s family and the reluctance to return to the motherland after completing studies.

Chairman, Gateway College A. I. T. Alles said when they started Gateway College they had only 33 students. “But today we have over 1,700 students. We have invested heavily in the field of education over the years and today we have a staff exceeding 800. We have produced educational programs that have been endorsed by the leading training providers in the UK,” he said.

Director, Gateway Group, Dr. Harsha Alles said students who complete degree programs would receive their degrees at university convocations in the United Kingdom. “Undergraduates will also have the option of transferring to universities in the UK, USA or Australia at the end of every academic year.

The three-year program of study is structured for students to receive industry recognised qualifications every year.