Sri Lanka can be converted to a ‘Regional Hub’ of education in Asia - President | Daily News

Sri Lanka can be converted to a ‘Regional Hub’ of education in Asia - President

We annually spend US$ 3 billion when our students go abroad for higher education
Developing the education sector is a step taken for the betterment of the future generations
We can earn US$ 10 billion if we develop the education sector as a Regional Hub

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday told Parliament that Sri Lanka can be converted to a regional hub for education in Asia.

He said that Sri Lanka can earn US$ 10 billion annually by attracting foreign students.

He noted “Let us make up our minds. We are allowing US$ 3 billion to go out when our students go abroad for higher education. We can retain US$ 3 billion, if we do it right.We will be able to earn US$ 10 billion by attracting foreign students. We must do that”.

The entire system that we are used to will change. MP Eran Wickramaratne will tell you all that we may not have brick-and-mortar universities  at the end of the day. It could be something else. However, why can’t we be the regional hub for that?, the President emphasized

“Can we be saying these are students and taking in those who are 40-50 years and expect to rectify this system? That’s all I am saying. Some may attack me for it, but I don’t mind. That is a fact. I said it earlier as well, earlier, we entered universities and passed out by the age of 21 or 22. Yet today, how many pass out by that age?”, he questioned.

I think many can pass out by the age of 21-22. We were law students at the time and we all passed out by that age. Yet, can this be done today? So are we going to face this issue or not? That is the question and that is why I ask if we are all going to face this issue and stop it, he noted.

“Young men and women must pass out and leave university by the age 21-22. Then they can have jobs. Now we have to tailor the courses to suit the job market. In the future, we may experience a shortage of job opportunities in the job market, especially in the arts and social science fields. Hence, I would like the national council and the other committees of parliament to focus their attention on this issue. This issue could only be resolved if the matter is presented to these committees. The only issue that remains is whether the government is going to do it alone or whether the Opposition will join with the government and support its program or whether they will get onto the streets and start protesting. So we have to decide which course of action we are going to take. Developing the education sector is a step taken for the betterment of the future generations.”

 

 


Add new comment