University status for INSD

Irangika RANGE

The Institute of National Social Development(INSD)will be upgraded to that of university status to offer degrees in social work related fields.

“ The title, University of Social Work has been proposed for this university and the relevant Cabinet paper is to be submitted shortly seeking the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers,”Social Services Minister Felix Perera said.

The minister was addressing the graduates of the Institute of National Social Development at the convocation at the BMICH recently.

He said a professional social worker must adhere to high standards of services based on customs, skills and proper knowledge rendered to society. Knowledge should be disseminated to the next generation through proper institutionalized education.

“It is necessary to enhance human resources for social development through the preparation of competent manpower in social work at all levels, generate and disseminate new knowledge and technologies for social work practice, provide specialized services for social welfare and social development,” he said.

That is why we have decided to upgrade Institute of National Social Development into the University.

“We need to make this university the centre excellence in social work education, training and research,” he further said.

“Granting degree awarding status to the Institute of National Social Development will help produce professional social workers to serve the social welfare system and promote social development.

“Though social work education began in Sri Lanka in the 1940's through voluntary organizations, it took over 50 years to establish the National Institute of Social Development.

This Institute, which now functions under the Ministry of Social Services, has been entrusted with the task of awarding both undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Social Work and Social Development, conducts diplomas and Bachelor of Social Work courses, and they are conducted primarily for professionals in the field of social work.

This is a non-university institution which has been recognized by the University Grants Commission as a degree awarding institution,” he said.