More private education providers will benefit country

Harshini Perera

Rohan Perera York International School Chairman/Managing Director:
Profile
Name: Rohan Perera
School attended: St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena
Civil status: Married, has three children
Education qualification: Studied accounting and business management
Sports: Cricket, Swimming, Basketball and Karate

Q: What are your views on private education in Sri Lanka?

A: In this present situation, it is an urgent need as the Government cannot cater to the entire demand of the community. There are many difficulties the student population faces in receiving education. The Education Ministry has approved the entry of private education providers, which is a good move.

Q: Compared with other countries in the region, where does private education in Sri Lanka stand?

A: Sri Lanka can be one of the best education destinations with Government support. Sri Lanka can invite foreign students and we can gain the foreign market. When foreigners come for employment into Sri Lanka, they are willing to provide their children with the best education available in the country. Therefore, many foreign employees select international schools as the best option. When investors come to Sri Lanka, this is another facility for them to come to the country for investments.

Q: Why have you decided to diversify your business to education sector?

A: My father P.F.Perera and I had a vision to contribute to the community. We celebrated the 50 th Anniversary of P.F. Perera and Company (Pvt) Ltd., Dalugama and wanted to set up a school or a hospital.

By going on that pathway, I started the first international school in January, 2010 at Sapugaskanda. There are 210 students initially but we get enrolment each month.

We maintain the quality and standard of education. We make our students engage in every religious activity and let them engage in sports such as basketball, swimming, badminton, chess, netball and table tennis.

Q: What are your future plans about the international schools?

A: We need to be one of the best private schools in Sri Lanka. We deliver quality and standard education. We expect to open our second school in Wattala. York International School will have its presence in Wattala in the first week of next month. We expect to enroll 500 students and the teaching will be conducted in the local syllabus till grade five and the Cambridge syllabus will follow thereafter. We have set up our first school in a village. Compared to the international schools in Colombo, we charge a nominal fee to give the best English education.

Two of my brothers and their wives are directors in the management of the school and they help me a lot. We have recruited teachers who were engaged in rural service which had given them satisfaction and saving on their travelling to rural areas.

We expect to start our third school in Biyagama in another year’s time.

Q: What are the benefits given to the community in those areas by setting up international schools?

A: The parents appreciate setting up an international school in a village. Daily travelling to congested Colombo city will be reduced as well as the money and time spent for schooling in Colombo. The parents can be happy for the less expenditure they have to make on their children’s education. We have already employed several foreign teachers as well as foreign students. Many foreign children of the employees and investors are coming to the school.

Initially the education is delivered in local curriculum up to grade five and later with Cambridge curriculum.

Q: What are your views on the Government decision to set up foreign education institutes in Sri Lanka?

A: It is the most well-timed necessity for the economic development now. No one can predict how much money we spend for education overseas. Instead, we can set up foreign universities here and earn foreign income to the country.

Economically, we can develop education as a main source of income to the country.

Q: What is your advice to young people eager to climb the corporate ladder?

A: Every young person who wishes to climb the corporate ladder should speak in English. We must not forget about our culture, geography and religion while getting educated in English.

Acquisition of other languages too is important for one to get into a good career.

Q: What is your philosophy in life?

A: I am a religious person and I live according to that. I look at everything positively. I help the community as well as engage in social work silently. I lead a simple life.

Q: How do you spend your leisure?

A: I go out with my family to places of interest during weekends.