Educational scope expanded

The people who are skilled in fields such as sport, aesthetics, indigenous medicine, business management, technological innovations will have the opportunity to apply for university degree courses from this year, Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake said at a media briefing held at the University Grants Commission Auditorium Tuesday. "There will not be any hard and fast rules on entry qualifications, age etc in the selection process for these limited opportunities.

The objective of the program is to pave the way for skilled people who excel in their fields, but do not have A-L qualifications, to enter university and gain degree qualifications," he said.

He said that steps will be taken to overhaul Arts Faculty courses to meet the requirements of the current job market while other courses too will be re-designed to upgrade their quality.

The Ministry will conduct all degree programs in English medium from next year. It will make easier for degree holders to get employment in any sector.

Universities should be held responsible for quality graduates, he said.