Destination UK

Ishara Jayawardane

An ever increasing demand for higher education in Sri Lanka continues to outstrip educational opportunities, many parents and students are compelled to consider overseas options. In many ways Sri Lanka is a victim of its own success.

“Many talented school leavers coming out of the school system every year who have superb qualifications and wish to pursue their studies at a university level – the tertiary level. However the places available in Sri Lank at the moment in the state sector are insufficient for the number of students who are qualified for higher education” said Sri Lanka British Council Country Director Tony Reilly during an event held regarding the 18th Annual Education UK Exhibition.

The British Council is UK’s representative organization for international education and cultural relations. They have been in existence for 75 years and have been operating here in Sri Lanka for more than 60 years.

“By creating international opportunities for people from around the world we help to meet their aspirations for a better life and a brighter future and that is what the launch of the 18th Annual Education UK exhibition is all about. It is about creating opportunities and building lasting mutually beneficial ties between Sri Lanka and UK” said Reilly.

British Universities thrive on the internationalization of their campus’ and their class rooms. The importance of giving students the opportunity to live and study in UK goes way beyond simple economic benefits. This is not just about the loss of revenue from Sri Lanka and economic benefits for UK. UK universities are incredibly diverse and international.

Over 8000 students leave Sri Lanka each year to pursue their higher education in the UK. Apparently it remains the preferred destination of choice for the Sri Lankan student. The Education UK Exhibition offers the students the opportunity to directly interact with UK institutions and select the best study option from a wide range of courses and internationally recognized qualifications offered by UK universities.

It is an opportunity for parents and students who are considering studying in the UK to meet with representatives from those Universities and discuss their choices and options and better understand this important investment in studying overseas

“Our Vision is to make Sri Lanka an education Hub in Asia. While developing our existing Higher education system, we have taken steps to invite leading Universities from the UK, US, Australia, India and many other countries to set up campuses in Sri Lanka” said Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake in a statement issued for the event.

The exhibition takes place in February, when 71 UK higher education institutes will visit Sri Lanka. Anyone who requires information about the exhibition and those who wish to register can go to the website www.educationuk.org/srilanka

The website provides comprehensive information about the education UK exhibition 2011. Through the website, students can chat with or email an education UK officer at any time to receive information about the exhibitions, scholarships or student Visa. Online visitors can also enter their contact details to reserve a place to attend the free subject seminars that will be conducted at the exhibition.

The 18th Annual Education UK Exhibition will be held at Colombo and Kandy in February. The venues are:

BMICH, Colombo – Saturday February 19 and Sunday February 20 from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm

Kandy City Centre (KCC) – Tuesday February 22 from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm