Singapore University invests 200 million

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

A reputed Singapore University, Auston Institute of Management merged with Coventry University UK and will invest Rs 200 million in Sri Lanka on sports education for the first time. Auston Institute Chairman Tan Kah Hoe, who was a former High Commissioner in Sri Lanka told Daily News Business.

The official signing ceremony of the agreement was held between Coventry University's affiliated member in Sri Lanka, Austan Institute of Management-Ceylon Ltd and the Education Ministry at the Education Ministry auditorium on Tuesday.

Hoe said during his tenure in Sri Lanka as the High Commissioner from 1996to 2009 he observed many Sri Lanka students going to Singapore for higher education and in this process he developed a keen interest to help Sri Lanka, as education is the key to peace. He initiated to send 40 Sri Lankan students to Singapore as peace ambassadors then and Auston Institute of Management Ceylon was established in 2010. 'At a time Sri Lanka is interested in inviting foreign investors this scholarship program is a good move.

We can cut down cost on education of Sri Lankan students while promoting local talents to reach global standards', he said .According to this scheme cricket and rugby will be awarded Rs. One million each scholarships to obtain a sports management degree from world famous

Coventry University in UK while completing their three-year degree course in Sri Lanka. The agreement was singed for a ten-year period and 200 school sportsmen will receive Rs 200 million worth scholarships . Every school will be given the opportunity to nominate three sportsmen annually who maintained a superb career in cricket or rugby.

The final selection will be based on four main elements, sports skills, character, scholastic abilities and financial circumstances.