Lankan students very competent

Hathoon Sheriffdeen

Living in Sri Lanka is very similar to living in Australia to Alan Robertson, Academic Dean for the Monash Programme at Australian National College (ANC). Alan Robertson is an Australian, living in Colombo for the past ten years.

His first visit to Sri Lanka was to introduce the Australian private university education system in 1998. It was the period, Sri Lankan higher education system did not have enough exposure to the private higher education systems and Universities.

Robertson today speaks to Daily News Expat Chit Chat.

Q: What are the comparative educational advantages you offer to Sri Lankan students?

A: If the students want to go for higher education at Monash University, they can start their studies in Sri Lanka. There are courses available here for the local students to follow after their O/L.

In four years time these students can complete their Bachelor’s degree. They also can follow the first year of some of the degrees at ANC, which is less costly and students are much comfortable in their country.

This practice makes them successful, since they are familiar with the educational standard and the practices of Australian educational systems at ANC. Our programmes are very successful so far.

Q: Are Sri Lankan students capable enough to study these Higher educational programmes in Australian Standard?

A: Yes, they are. Sri Lankan students do well in these programmes. They should also be fluent in English. They are well prepared in advance to study these courses.

Q: Do you think Sri Lanka education standard is similar to Australian?

A: Lankan pass rate is very high and it is pleasing. My comments will apply only to the higher education qualification seekers in Australia. This segment of students is capable enough to pay their fees and are aware of the level of the Australian Education standard.

When these students register with us they have a good background of English and the background knowledge of the course they are willing to study. We will bridge the gap between the standard of the courses in Sri Lanka and the Australia.

Q: How comparatively advantageous for students to go through ANC than going through other agents of Monash University?

A: It’s much advantageous for students to go through ANC as we have a range of foundation courses and the first year study programme of some of the Monash degree programmes. This will enable students to study for one to two years time at their home at Australian standard.

The cost is twenty per cent less than the normal cost of following courses in Australia. Monash University courses can be followed at Malaysia and Australia other than Sri Lanka.

The standard will be same as Australia at ANC. Going straight to Monash will be much costly and students face immediate change. By learning the early stages at ANC students spend less money and time and gain a maturity level.

Q: You have been working under the Sri Lankan education system for ten years. What are the good and bad qualities of Sri Lankan higher education system?

A: I don’t have to criticise the Sri Lankan higher education system much, since it’s not of low standard.

It has limited opportunities of university entrance to the students who finish their A/L examination and it’s very competitive.

Private universities like Monash have very prestigious programmes. These qualifications are much recognised globally. Sri Lanka should consider having a mixture of private universities and the Government universities to provide educational services to the higher education market.

This will enable Sri Lanka to boost its standard of higher education and the economy. At the same time the public sector universities will also be upgraded if there are enough private universities to compete with. This is not a new concept. This has been accepted and in practice globally.

Sri Lanka does not have to think of following the above said concept, since it has been successful worldwide under any circumstances.

Q: What does Sri Lanka mean to you?

A: Sri Lanka to me, is quite familiar, being born here. I feel it’s a culture Australians can easily feel like they are at home. I have been living here for ten years. It’s very homely for me.

Being here is quite comfortable that’s why I worked two years in some other countries and came back to Sri Lanka for my work.

Q: What can you tell me about the economy of Sri Lanka?

A:I feel Sri Lanka has more potential in its so many areas. It’s a beautiful Island. It has a variety of magnificence of beauty. So much of interesting stuff to offer. I enjoy highlands, the sceneries and sea. I also want to comment about the weather of the country. It’s quite interesting here.

Q: What are the things you don’t enjoy in Sri Lanka?

A: I don’t enjoy the road system here. I cannot cope with that so far. The drivers do not drive as per the rules and regulations. And the regulators do not maintain the rules and regulations as well. This is the only thing I am uncomfortable with in this country.

Q: How can Lanka rectify this issue? Would you like to comment on that?

A: May be the rules and regulations can be made much stronger. Sri Lanka can appoint an independent body to monitor the breaking of road rules and regulations and road accidents.

They can also introduce more traffic lights and traffic maintaining authorities. I think Australia has the similar population to Sri Lanka. We don’t have much issues in this area.

I think the Government can get some international support and tackle this issue. I think they should consider it. As a foreigner I find it very hard to adjust myself on this issue.

Q: As a last message what do you like to say?

A: Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. I started work in Sri Lanka in 1998 and after eight years time, I worked for Canada and London on the same field for a short time. Then I missed Sri Lanka, and came back again. I don’t want to comment on the war and the economic issues of this county. As a foreigner it’s not nice to comment on these aspects. But I wish this country would do well. I enjoy living here.