Moratuwa University initiates BSc degree in Transport and Logistics

by Surekha GALAGODA

Transport and Logistics is a field where there are ample job opportunities but until recently there was no institute that offered a recognised qualification.

Therefore, there was a request from the industry to fulfil this dearth and cater to the demand.

The Engineering Faculty of the University of Moratuwa initiated the Degree of Bachelor of Science Honours in Transport and Logistics Management in 2006.

It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK recently.

Prof. Malik Ranasinghe receives the award from Saliya Senanayaka while Prof. Amal Kumarage looks on. Pic: Susantha Wijegunasekera

It is the only degree course in the region to be accredited by the CILT and they have accredited only a few courses in the world.

The first intake was in 2006 and the number was limited to 50 students. They graduated last October and within two weeks all were employed within the sector while about 10 percent secured overseas jobs said senior professor, Department of Transport and Logistics Management, Amal Kumarage.

Professor Kumarage who is also the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka said getting accreditation from CILT (International) shows that the course is internationally benchmarked. There are over 33,000 members of CILT (International) who are employed in every country.

Professor Kumarage said that their aim is to make it one of the top 10 universities in the world offering such a course within the next five years. Already plans are underway to start a PhD program while the curriculum was revised to make it a learner-based education system.

Head of Department of Transport and Logistics Management University of Moratuwa Dr. T. Sivakumar said that students securing employment within two weeks of graduating proves the demand for the course. Engineers when going up the career ladder need management skills.

Therefore, though the core area is transport and logistics, there is a management component as well.

The course teaches a variety of subjects and tries to give students knowledge, skills and attitude building.

The Transport and Logistics sector is booming and therefore there is a demand for educated and skilled people and we cater to this demand, he said. Students can specialise in aviation, maritime, supply chain, transport systems and the research they undertake should be aligned with the area of specialisation.

Dr. Sivakumar said that as the program is closely associated with the industry, industry leaders also get involved in developing the curricula while they also come as visiting lecturers and mentors for the mentoring program.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa Professor Malik Ranasinghe said that the department was established to fulfil a request by the industry and we train students to become job creators rather than job seekers.

The University of Moratuwa attracts the best students and we produce employable worldclass graduates, Prof. Ranasinghe said. He was speaking at the function organised to receive accreditation from CILT International.

Vice President CILT International, Saliya Senanayaka said that we have proved to be a transshipment hub, but there is room for improvement.

He said that the government and its officials are receptive to ideas and, therefore speedy changes are made.