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UCSC creating ICT men for the future

Creating the ICT Professionals needed for the world of the future is the main objective of the Colombo University Computing School, UCSC Director Gihan Wikramanayake said.

Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr Sunil Jayantha Navarathna and UCSC Director Gihan Wikramanayake see a stall in the exhibition. UCSC past Director, Dr Ruwan Weerasinghe looks on

Opening the IFO++ (Ideas Free and Open) Information Technology and Computer Science Exhibition organized to mark 25 years of the UCSC.

Prof Wikramanayake said, the UCSC, a pioneering and illustrious institution in the ICT education field of our country, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with this IFO++ exhibition.

During the past 25 years, the UCSC has nurtured a vast number of ICT Professionals. They bear high positions in many illustrious institutions in the State and the private sector.

Their contribution to the ICT field as well as the economic development process of the country is immense.

The world needs seven and eight times more ICT professionals than the last decade in the decade to come.

The reason for this is that the ICT field had become the foundation of the modern knowledge economy.

During the next decade, the main objective of the UCSC will be creating and nurturing the ICT professionals the world needs.

In order to accomplish this objective, we are maintaining the UCSC according to international standards.”

The IFO++ Information Technology and Computer Science Exhibition held under the theme ‘Innovation through Dynamism’ was fully complete with research projects, innovative projects, Robotics, ICT education zone, computer games, ICT seminars for student and professionals and computer museum.

The three-day exhibition was opened on each day by special invitees from Government Ministries and principal representatives of the ICT industry. The 25th anniversary of the UCSC falls on this year and various programs are activated throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary.

National and international conferences, workshops, symposiums and lectures to educate the public take pride of place among the programs planned. The UCSC organized the IFO++ exhibition because of the 25th anniversary. Many students from several schools studying ICT as a subject for GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level and their teachers visited the exhibition and took part in workshops and symposiums. The main objectives of this exhibition were improving IT awareness among the younger generation, especially among the present youth, providing a platform for undergraduate students to showcase and improve their talents in terms of IT creativity and innovation to the public and as well as to the IT industry.

ESOFT offers UOM BIT External Degree

The Moratuwa University (UOM) which is renowned for producing some of the finest Engineering and Technological graduates in Sri Lanka introduced their own Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) external degree to cater to the dearth in the ICT field in Sri Lanka. The program was launched around four years ago by the Information Technology Faculty and is conducted through the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL).

The next intake is using slightly different model as the CODL will not be registering students for the online direct entry mode and students wishing to enroll for this degree will have to make use of the collaborative partners. ESOFT is using a revised course fee where the entire degree will be available at a cost of approx Rs 325,000 including University fees.

The University has evaluated several public and private sector organizations that it considers to have the necessary expertise and resources to conduct the study programs. Special attention have been paid during such evaluations to ensure that leaning environment provided by such institutions is in accordance with the quality standards expected by the University. ESOFT Computer Studies is one of these institutions and is currently receiving applications from suitable students for approval and subsequent enrolment into the latest intake.

ESOFT” collaborative partner” authorized ESOFT centres include Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala and Jaffna bringing the total number to four. This underscores the level of quality that ESOFT strives to maintain while helping to bring recognized qualifications to the rural masses of Sri Lanka. This is the fourth time that the collaborative partner model will be available thereby allowing the students to study with ESOFT with the guidance and administrative support from the CODL.

ESOFT was able to secure a healthy intake of students for the three previous intakes and these students have already commenced classes and are progressing. ESOFT is gearing for a larger intake in the new session and will be restricting the numbers with the aim of providing the best possible study environment.

All examinations will be conducted by the Moratuwa University and standards will be enforced and maintained in a transparent manner. Students who enroll for this program will have the added benefit of receiving free textbooks containing all required study material. Students will also be able to make use of the ESOFT branch network for additional study activities including access to library facilities and computer laboratories for practical work.

Application forms are available at ESOFT branches and can also be downloaded by the visiting the ESOFT website www.esoft.lk. Students should hand in their application forms and relevant documents directly to ESOFT together with the processing fee.

ESOFT will be accepting applications until December 15 and classes are scheduled for commencement in February 2011. Detailed class schedules will be made available at a later date.

Glitz unveils new seasonal collection

Glitz unveiled its seasonal collection with a range of fashion clothing and accessories for the forthcoming festive season.

A store-wide special promotion with a discount of 15 percent on all items is also planned for today and tomorrow at all Glitz fashion stores. Glitz fashion stores are located in Hyde Park Corner, Nugegoda seventh Milepost, Mt. Lavinia and Negombo.

A Glitz store

"We have created a festive atmosphere in stores so that our discerning customers feel the warmth of the season with a new look exterior, decor and ambience unique to Glitz fashion stores" said Glitz Marketing Manager, A L M Akeel. "Our customers will no doubt enjoy the delightful shopping experience this season" he said.

The festive collection includes partywear in seasonal red and black as well as in the colours for 2011 comprising light green, orange hues and coral with stripes being the most sought after trend for the forthcoming New Year.

Evening wear for ladies range from party dresses in different silhouettes, balloon shaped dresses, halter dresses, blouses, strapless dresses, maxi dresses, tube blouses and blouses with three-D motifs in eye catching shimmer and satin material worked in sequins and beads to the glamorous little black dress (LBD). Matching shawls and stoles for party dresses will give the ladies the extra edge to look and feel their best.

The range for gents includes MBRK shirts in red, black and silver, trendy trousers from Xposed, MBRK and Toppler in slim fit, ultra slim fit and regular sizes together with genuine leather belts, stylish shoes in different designs, matt and gloss finish gives the total look to the discerning fashion conscious gentlemen.

Stylish, smart and trendy officewear for ladies and gents for that all important first day of work in the New Year 2011 is also available at Glitz fashion stores.

The new arrival of international brands ranging from Levis, Crocodile, Basics 029, Venfield fashionwear to designer label perfumes such as Hugo Boss, Carolina Herrera, Givenchy, Lacoste, Nina Ricci and Paco Rabanne will no doubt be an attraction to the discerning shoppers. Colourful and trendy Arugambay footwear for teenagers and those young at heart are ideal for day-to-day casual wear.

The newly designed Glitz gift vouchers are the ideal gift this season to convey seasonal greetings. The Glitz gift vouchers are available in denominations ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 and do not carry an expiry date.