Technology Institute student intake to be increased

Chaminda Perera

The Higher Education Ministry is to increase the student intake of the Institute of Technology from 350 to 1000 by relocating it from the Moratuwa University premises to a 20 acre land in Homagama with financial assistance from the People's Republic of China.

The new Institute of Technology which is to be relocated to a land just opposite the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex in Homagama will have ultra modern education facilities with quarters to accommodate almost all students. The ministry yesterday signed the contract agreement with China National Aero Tcchnology Import and Export Corporation of the People's Republic of China at the Hotel Galadari for the project to relocate and develop the Institute of Technology.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Nandimithra Ekanayake and Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navarathne were the signatories on behalf of the government while CATIC officials represented the government of China.

This institute functioning under the Moratuwa University conducts the National Diploma in Technology in various engineering fields and has won international reputation by producing high profile engineers and technicians.

Deputy Minister Nandimithra Ekanayake thanked the government of China for assisting the project.

He was of the view that the country will make tremendous progress in the field of engineering and technology once this project is completed.

He said that students following NDT courses in the civil, mechanical, electronic, chemical, marine, nautical polymer and textile fields will greatly benefit by this move.

The project which is estimated to cost US$ 89.55 million is to be completed in 33 months and will consist of administrative and academic buildings, laboratories, hostel facilities, multifunctional halls and staff development centres.

Officials of the Higher Education Ministry and University Grants Commission were present.