Graduates will be made to fit into 21st century - S.B.

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Plans are being formulated to make graduates who passed out from universities in Sri Lanka fit into the 21st century, stated Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake.

He also stated that as a result of the projects launched under the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the University of Jayawardenepura has risen to 3,800 th place in the global university rating compared to last year while the University of Colombo could secure the 1420th place in the same index.

He disclosed this at a ceremony to grant Mahapola Higher Education Scholarships 2010/2011 to 25 students based on merits, as part of the scholarships that are to be granted to 11,800 students this year, at the Prime Minister's Office. Minister Dissanayake stated that the level of the universities were at a very high level a few decades ago before the control of the universities were taken over by students after vice chancellors, deans and 11 students were assassinated by the JVP in the late eighties.

He also stated that the wish of the parents, country and government was to see that university entrants pass ed out as knowledgeable, valuable graduands with demand and leadership qualities. Therefore they should study freely without being suppressed by reactionary forces in universities. He also added that to create such a free environment, measures would be taken even to the extent of removing undergraduates of any number who cause problems.

Minister Dissanayake further stated that a large number of students who obtained better results than those who enter the universities are deprived of the tertiary education owing to students being selected on a district basis. He added that to create opportunities for these students, branches of standard universities would be established in the country whatever the objections raised.