President appoints commission to look into situation in higher education:

Wheels move for higher education development

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday decided to appoint a commission to look into the present situation in the higher education sector and submit a report on remedial measurers to him.

A press release issued by the President’s Media Division said the government intends to look into the present situation in the higher education sector, including the university system, and draw up a plan for the development of the higher education sector.

President Rajapaksa also decided to offer an opportunity for graduates recruited to the public service under the graduate recruitment programme, implemented from 1994, to sit for competitive examinations in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service.

He has also decided to introduce a new promotion scheme for the graduates and to grant employment opportunities in the public sector for graduates who passed out in 2010 and 2011. The President took these decisions at a meeting with members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Graduates’ Association at Temple Trees yesterday.

Education authorities should create quality graduates who could contribute to the country’s economy, President Rajapaksa said.

The government has granted employment opportunities to a number of graduates and measures have been taken to strengthen the public service as well, he said.

“Leadership training programmes are very important for university students. These programmes help create graduates with good qualities including personality development,” the President said. President Rajapaksa also pointed out the importance of correct and quick decision making in the public service as well.

Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Hambantota district MP Namal Rajapaksa and Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary P B Abeykoon were also present at the meeting.