Leadership training for second batch starts today

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The 'Leadership Training and Positive Attitude Development Programme' for undergraduates is in progress, equipping future leaders with leadership qualities and a positive attitude, Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake said.

Training for the second intake of the 'Leadership Training and Positive Attitude Development Programme' for new university entrants will commence today at 22 training centres. The first intake was on December 27.

Training for the second batch will continue till February 1. The training for the third batch will be held from February 12 to 28. All arrangements have been finalised to commence the second phase of the programme. Higher Education Ministry Additional Secretary P G Jayasinghe said 7,860 students, who passed the Advanced Level examination in 2011 have been selected for the second batch.

The names of the selected students have already been published on the website www.leardership.mohe.gov.lk and they have been informed by post. However, if a student whose name is appeared on the website can enroll to the second batch even if that student has not received a calling letter. Such students are advised to bring a copy of the web page on which their names are appeared when calling over at the relevant training centre.

Arrangements have been made to issue a certificate for the participants and this certificate can be produced if any student does not enter the university at this intake. Moreover, the certificate is vital for university admission and future interviews.

The leadership and positive attitude development programme is conducted with the objective of ensuring that citizens are nurtured with knowledge, skills, attitudes and mental alertness to shoulder future responsibilities as creative and enterprising leaders enhancing the pride of Sri Lanka in a global village, the minister said.

Besides, the participants are trained on development of leadership qualities, mental health and counseling, career guidance, challenges and the future of Sri Lanka, building peace in Sri Lanka, historical and social background of Sri Lanka, law and human rights, exercises and development sustenance, cultural activities. In addition, physical exercises, group drill, basic discipline, first aid, reproductive health, group norms, group discussions, cultural tour, etc are also taught.