Education

Professional electricians under ‘Kelani Saviya’

“Kelani Saviya” programme is the outcome of a five year agreement signed by Dean, Faculty of Engineering University of Peradeniya, Professor S. B. S. Abeykoon and Managing Director Kelani Cables PLC Hemantha Perera for the first time in Sri Lanka.

One of the key objectives of the agreement is to promote youth of the country as professional electricians and make sure of their future endeavours with self-dignity.

The entire course was designed by Professor Janaka Ekanayake, Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department University of Peradeniya.

The course consists of three levels and the entry point to each module is specified individually.

The students have to follow 10 modules of the programme and sit for the final examination to qualify themselves as professional electricians.

The three levels of the “Kelani Saviya” Programme will cover every aspect of domestic and industrial wiring necessary to become professional electricians.

Those who have successfully completed the course will be awarded with certificates from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, University of Peradeniya.

The entire programme will take place on weekends at the University of Peradeniya.

The Kelani Saviya programme is conducted by the following faculty members of the University of Peradeniya: Professor Janake Ekanayake, Dr. Chandima Ekanayake, Dr. Manjula Fernando, Dr. Lilantha Samaranayake and Head of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Dr. Sanath Alahakoon.

One hundred students including 40 school leavers and 60 self employed electricians are now following the “Kelani Saviya” programme at the University of Peradeniya in two batches of 50 student.

Today Kelani Saviya is seeking to obtain the necessary accreditation for the programme from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and also assistance from the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority.

Kelani Cables PLC and the Faculty of Engineering University of Peradeniya invited Deputy Director General Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission B. H. S. Suraweera and Director Training National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority Jagath Basnayake held a discussion on November 13 at Kelani Cables PLC.

The senior batch of 50 students participated at the event in their maiden visit to Kelani Cables PLC together with faculty members of the University of Peradeniya.

Dean faculty of Engineering Professor S. B. S. Abeykoon, Head of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Dr. Sanath Alahakoon, Course Director “Kelani Saviya” Dr. Manjula Fernando and Managing Director Kelani Cables PLC Hemantha Perera held discussion with Deputy Director General Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission B. H. S. Suraweera and Director Training National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority Jagath Basnayake.

The Kelani Saviya is a social responsibility project of Kelani Cables PLC and the Engineering Faculty of the University of Peradeniya.

LAMDA examinations twice a year

LAMDA Examinations, the awarding body arm of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, has taken steps to improve and widen its services to Sri Lankan schools, teachers and students by appointing a new Sri Lanka representative. LAMDA Examinations have been growing in popularity in Sri Lanka over the last few years.

In 2009, LAMDA Examinations will be held in February and August but plans are made to hold examinations in August and December in the subsequent years. The new arrangement, in addition to providing more support to those who are already involved with LAMDA examinations, will provide opportunities for more teachers and pupils islandwide to develop their communication and dramatic art skills.

LAMDA is recognised worldwide for being one of the leading drama schools in the English-speaking world and for conducting the most eminent set of public examinations in its sector. In British theatre and television, many cast lists include LAMDA alumni.

Many students studying in independent schools, State schools and private performing arts schools in the UK have the opportunity to take LAMDA examinations, including the Grade eight exams, which are recognised for entrance to UK universities. In fact, UCAS points are available for examinations at Grade 6, 7 and 8, to assist in entering UK universities.

LAMDA is dedicated to the creative, intellectual and social development of the individual as a whole. It is for this reason that LAMDA has become the largest Speech and Drama Awarding Body in the United Kingdom.

Its examinations also have a reputation for excellence worldwide, so candidates can measure their progress against an internationally applied standard. LAMDA Examinations is accredited as an Awarding Body by The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Among many initiatives planned for Sri Lanka are teacher workshops by visiting British specialists, curriculum support to schools and new qualifications. LAMDA is also pleased to launch the LAMDA Teacher’s Certificate in Communication (LTCC), a specialist qualification for teachers, which has been designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach introductory communication skills and speech to young children and adults.

Northumbria University provides degree pathways for local institutions

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Northumbria University Prof. Craig Mahoney was introduced to Sri Lanka’s premier professional educational institutions at a formal ceremony held at Trenchard House.

The institutions qualifications are recognised by Northumbria University with degree pathways. This was facilitated by BMS, their local representative in Sri Lanka and UK Trade and Investment team at British High Commission, Colombo.

John Keells launches ‘English for Life’

Recognising the need for proficiency in English in order to enhance employability, John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation (JKSRF) launched a new programme aptly titled ‘English for Life’ on November 15. The programme will focus on teaching Business English together with basic IT and soft skills to the 17-25 age group.

Classes will be conducted over a period of four months at 12 centres - Anuradhapura, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Nawala, Negombo, Panadura, Trincomalee and Wattala - on weekends, facilitated by the Gateway Language Centre.

The initial advertisements calling for applications drew over 3,000 applicants, out of whom 1,000 were awarded scholarships after a placement test, set by Gateway.

The scholarships cover course fees, examination fees, text books and other course material. Speaking at the launch of the new programme, Director, John Keells Holdings PLC Sumithra Gunesekera said, “It is widely accepted that English provides a vital competitive advantage in today’s digital age. It helps one become a better communicator and also enables one to expand his or her knowledge and outlook through access to vast amounts of literature. As a leading corporate in Sri Lanka, we are only too aware of the importance of English for employment today.

At least a basic knowledge of IT and soft skills has also become essential. It was in recognition of this need that John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation, in collaboration with Gateway, decided to launch the English for Life course this year.” English for Life is part of the John Keells English Language Scholarship Programme. Since its launch in 2004, the programme has empowered over 1,500 youth in various parts of the island, from areas as diverse as Colombo and its suburbs, to Galle, Kandy, Matara, Bandarawela, Wellawaya, Ratnapura, Habarana, Vavuniya and Batticoloa.

The programme has benefited not only deserving school children, but also others who sought assistance, such as undergraduates of the University of Moratuwa and trackers at the Yala National Park.

“The John Keells Group is committed to providing these opportunities to the children and youth of our country, because we believe that empowering them with a tool as powerful as the English Language will not only enrich their personal potential, but also build greater capacity for Sri Lanka as a nation,” Gunesekera added.

DFCC, Education Ministry to introduce 6S to schools

ANURADHA KODAGODA

DFCC together with the Ministry of Education, will introduce 6S model to National Schools. The DFCC is doing this project as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives for 2009 and beyond. “The programme is designed specifically to advance the skills of young children need to thrive in competitive world.

Teacher training and parent guidance will be a key part of the crucial work of inculcating in children’s good habits and respect for the environment. The training will enable teachers to effectively weave the disciplines into the early-learning classrooms.

Parents are expected to encourage children to take the disciplines beyond the classroom and into their homes” the Chief Executive of DFCC Nihal Fonseka explained.

Enhancing public school education through an early learning programme centered on the Japanese discipline of ‘5S’ and the ‘3R’ principles (Re-Use, Recycle, Reduce) will be DFCC’s social priority for the next five years, beginning 2009.

“The vision of DFCC’s CSR initiative is to guide children ‘Towards Exemplary Society’. The programme will be initially launched in selected schools countrywide but will continue to scale up as the years roll and is planned to be made available to a number of needy schools in the future,” he added.

The bank, in its new approach to CSR will place top priority on empowering children.

Whether they give computers to schools, equip a laboratory or library, supplement the curriculum with field trips, seminars and workshops for children or merely provide water and sanitation where needed, they recognise that educating a child has lasting effects on the nation.

In October, the bank organised an amateur photo exhibition and competition titled ‘Sobha 2008’ to raise awareness on the need to protect our environment.

Selected photographs from the exhibition will be displayed in schools in an effort to inculcate in children a sense for the beauty of Sri Lanka.

The Secretary Ministry of Education M.M.N.D. Bandara participated in this event on behalf of the Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha.

The Chief Executive DFCC, Nihal Fonseka, Consultant, Productivity and 5S Lal Fonseka also participated in the event.

Raytronics for ‘Total Solutions’

Raytronics, on their 16th year offers wide range of attractive computer training courses, absolutely for beginners.

The Chairman of Raytronics Computer Systems Pvt. Ltd K.H.L. Goonawardana a computer engineer and a member of pioneer advisory committee for curriculum of Vocational Training scheme for computer Hardware and Software studies, commented on his new scheme of job oriented computer studies for beginners.

Raytronics Computer Systems Pvt. Ltd. a well-known name in IT and Vocational Training field established in 1993 with the primary objective to provide “Total Solution” for computer Hardware and Software training requirements and IT awareness in younger generation.

In 1993 Raytronics Computer Systems recognised by the Tertiary and Vocational Training Education Commission as a renowned computer training institute.

“To mark our 16th anniversary we have organised a campaign to let everyone have possession of their own computer at reasonable prices, with association of All From Korea Co. in South Korea.

To ensure easy access to all these facilities we have equipped all or islandwide branches in Kandy, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Galle, Matara and Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4,” he said

Seminar on Poland economy in EU

A high level Seminar “Poland the Emerging Economy in the EU” is being organized by the Sri Lanka-Poland Business Council, in partnership with the Embassy of Poland, in New Delhi, and the Export Development Board on December, 3 Upper Crystal Room, Hotel Taj Samudra from 9.00a.m. to 1.00p.m.

The objective is to create greater awareness of the growing potential existing for developing trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Poland.

The Seminar which is a follow up to the Event organized in early 2008, focuses on Poland in view of its booming economy and increased attractiveness as a potential market. The improvement in real wages and income of the Polish people has resulted in greater purchasing power.

Growth has averaged around 5%, with 2007 recording a 6.6% growth. Though a slow down can be expected in the current global scenario, Poland nevertheless remains a very viable market for Sri Lanka, by way of Exports, Services and tourism, as well as sourcing high quality products made in Poland.

Poland’s accession to the EU has further increased its attractiveness as a trading partner, its strategic location, giving easy access to the EU, and East European markets.

Registration should be done through Andrea of the Ceylon Chamber Secretariat.

Gateway to open international school in Colombo 4

Gateway College, Colombo 4 will commence sessions in a conveniently located colonial style premises in Vajira Road, Bambalapitiya in January 2009.

The school will initially cater to Foundation and Primary levels only. The serene environment with spacious play areas and modern facilities provides the ideal setting for quality teaching and learning for children.

The new school is to be spearheaded by Noreen Welikala, who will join Gateway as a Consultant. Welikala, who began her career as a graduate teacher of humanities and later served as a Principal of a leading educational institution in Colombo for over two decades, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in international school education.

Chairman, Gateway, R.I.T. Alles, mentions that the Directorate is very pleased to add another school to its network at a time when the College is celebrating its 12th Anniversary. In 2007, in addition to Gateway Colleges in Colombo and Kandy, the Parent institution set up a Primary School in Negombo.

In just two years, Gateway College, Negombo has made great strides by extending its services upto A/Ls catering to a student population of 300. Having strengthened their position in the Primary and Secondary sectors, Gateway has now embarked into the tertiary sector.

With this initiative, in August 2008, the Gateway Graduate School was inaugurated bringing a new dimension to the institution where they provide education from Play Group (2 1/2 years+) to Degree Level, with a new focus and theme - “Foundation to Graduation”. In 2006, Gateway acquired a group of Kindergartens in Abingdon, Oxford. Further, the Gateway Group caters to the needs of IT and English Language training with a network of 30 centres across the country.

Internationally, Gateway’s IT programmes are currently offered in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Dubai and Nigeria.

Gateway College, Colombo is now operating in the new school campus in a four acre block of land situated in Royal Gardens, Rajagiriya.

The New Campus situated in a salubrious environment bordering a water way, consists of customised school buildings and modern facilities built with a blend of leading British Independent Schools architecture and Sri Lankan culture. Student population at Gateway College, Colombo has reached a capacity level of 1,750.

Gateway College, Kandy with a student population of 950 too will be shifting to the new campus in a phased out manner.

The Foundation and Key Stage 1 sections are already functioning in the new premises in Asgiriya. The rest of the school will move into the new campus in June 2009.