Sri Lanka's education sector:

Kuwait a major contributor, says envoy

M A Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

Kuwait has always been a good friend to Sri Lanka. The Kuwaiti Government has provided colossal amounts of funds for Sri Lanka's educational sector, said former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait and ex-Trade and Commerce Minister A R Munsoor.

He was speaking at a function at the Oluvil Campus of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka to mark the National Day of Kuwait.

Munsoor said the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka bears testimony to the unprecedented development programs being carried out with Kuwaiti funds.

"It is appropriate that Kuwait's National Day is being celebrated at the University premises as a gratitude for their help," he said. The ceremony was held at the Arts and Culture Auditorium under the auspices of Vice Chancellor Dr Mohamed Ismail.

Lecturers, students and other non-academic University Staff were present. The important feature of the program was an exhibition depicting Kuwait's achievements, way of life and about the rulers of the Kingdom.

Munsoor thanked the Vice Chancellor and his Staff for organizing the ceremony.

He said he was very happy to observe that the University's academic activities are going on well.

He also noted that students from all communities from various parts of the island are following academic programs in a very peaceful manner strengthening communal harmony. He said Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake has been paying special attention to Universities in the East.

"It is our duty to extend our fullest support to the Minister to go ahead with the task."

Munsoor also wanted the Academic Staff to draw up plans to produce quality students to face the challenges of the present world rather than producing traditional undergraduates who are in bulk.

He paid tribute to Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Founder and Minister late M H M Ashraff the brainchild of this University for all his valuable efforts to make this University.

"This University must produce remarkable academics. This was the dream of the Founder of this University and this is the honour we can bestow to him in return," he said.

Registrar H Adbul Sathar, Engineer S M Sitheeque and Deans of various faculties also spoke.

A large number of students from various schools in the vicinity viewed the exhibition where a Kuwaiti film show was also held.