Three new SLIATE institutes to be set up

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Moves are under way by the Higher Education Ministry to uplift technological education so as to keep up with the global trends in modern technology.

As part of these initiatives, the Higher Education Ministry will set up three new ‘Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education’ (SLIATE) in Vavuniya, Tangalle and Ratnapura allowing more youths to enter the technological field which is growing rapidly.

SLIATE is a major institution which provides middle level technical trainees who are capable enough to cater to the requirements of the local and international job markets. SLIATE offers a vast range of courses for youths and school leavers who would be entering the job market.

Among the courses on offer are Information Technology, Civil Engineering, Accounting, Agriculture, Human Resources Management etc. “After following courses at SLIATE, job seekers will have a definite advantage.

Through this project we offer a golden opportunity particularly for students who live in rural areas to gain access to the technological sector. As a developing country many of our youths would like go abroad for employment. If these job seekers have undergone a course at SLIATE they can enter the international job market with confidence since they have gathered the required practical and theoretical knowledge.

The 21st century is based on knowledge and it will be Asia’s Century,” Higher Education Minister Professor Visva Warnapala said while addressing SLIATE officials at the SLIATE auditorium.

The Higher Education Ministry has allocated Rs. 295 million for three new SLIATE institute buildings. In addition a head office building will be constructed for SLIATE at Malabe.

SLIATE Director General Kamal Padmasiri noted that the three institutes will intake 3,000 students per year when operations commence.