National Centre for English Education opens

The Peradeniya English Teachers' College, declared as a National Centre for English Education was inaugurated by Education Minister Susil Premajayantha recently.

Minister Premajayantha said the new centre was established to promote English teaching in the country and it will become a centre for excellence providing guidance, resources and instruction for learners and teachers of English.

"Over the years, we have felt the need for an apex body to meet the increasing and varied demands for English in a rapidly changing society, an institute which provides a vision to the rest of the country in English learning and teaching," the Minister added.

A Professional Skills Development Course for Educational Administrators was also inaugurated.

The courses will have a new outlook and serve English teachers, teacher educators, education administrators and professionals in different fields, the Minister said.

"Today, the world is a global village. As an international language, English plays a very vital role linking the world. Therefore it is our duty to educate our children to face the challenges of the 21st century," Premajayantha said.

Many courses for teachers and school leavers are also designed and delivered by the Centre.

"The work ethos in the world is changing rapidly. In development, the margin between the private and public sector is wearing thin. We hope this institute will lead the way in this matter by being self-sufficient. I trust this institute will soon offer tailor- made courses on the demands of the clientele. They will have to meet the expenses incurred," the Minister remarked.