Higher Education Minister seeks ADB aid for projects

COLOMBO: Higher Education Minister Prof. Wiswa Warnapala held talks with ADB representative Ayako Inoagaki to explore the possibilities of funding various projects and courses initiated by the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE). Higher Education Ministry Secretary K. W. E. Karalliyadda and SLIATE Director General Kamal Pathmasiri also participated.

He said the Bank has identified the problems faced by the third world countries in numerous spheres and the initiatives have helped the local authorities enhance their knowledge, specially in the education sectors. It had been identified that the institutes should meet following requirements to strengthen its curriculum activities.

Advise of qualified technical people for teacher training, to meet the shortage of qualified technicians and technologists extraordinary training programmes should be geared for operating installation of dedicated computer labs, assistance of international and local specialists to enhance the development of industry advisory councils. The ADB delegation considered the suggestions put forward by the ministry officials and assured assistance for the implementation.