'Educational opportunities should be created to retain money in the country'

Most studnets who get through the A/L enter overseas universities and it is a great victory if Sri Lanka can retain that money in the country by offering educational opportunities for them, Vocational and Technical Training Minister Piyasena Gamage said.

He was speaking at a ceremony to award diplomas to 310 students who followed the Information and Management Technology Course and Productivity and Development Management Course conducted by the NIBM recently at the BMICH.

"The NIBM is one of the most significant training institutions in our country. This institution has expanded to cater to the demands of the modern job market.

Apart from the branch of Kandy, branches are being set up at Kurunegala and Pettigalawatta, Galle by spending Rs. 800 million. All these are performed by the NIBM, without burdening the Treasury. The NIBM offers BSc in Management Information, together with Dublin University - Ireland.

A discussion was held in connection with degree courses with two universities in England and Australia," the Minister said.

Most students enter overseas universities. The number is much higher than the local univeristy intake. It is a victory if we retain the money that flows overseas.

That is why the NIBM is conducting degree courses, together with overseas universities. Nearly 10,000 students follow the courses at the NIBM. Our aim is to raise it to 12,000.

Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Chairman Professor Laxman Jayathilake, Director General Dr. E. A. Weerasinghe, and Media Advisor of the Ministry of Vocational and Technical Training Anura Fonseka also spoke.