A ceasefire has been in place in Sri Lanka since February 2002, and has affected the attitudes and outlook of the Sri Lankan people. In April 2004 Sri Lanka's third election in four years produced a minority government. The talks between the government, the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) and Muslim representatives were upheld, along with the disbursement of the USD 4.5 billion pledged by international donors in 2003 for development assistant in relief, rehabilitation and reconciliation, especially in the north and east of the country.
Hundreds of people - troops, Tamil Tiger rebels and Tamil, Sinhalese and Muslim civilians - have been killed in Sri Lanka since late last year. The tide of rising violence comes despite the ceasefire signed in 2002, which on paper remains in place. This unstable environment will only encourage even more students to study abroad.
Economic growth in 2006 (2005) was 7.4 per cent (5.5 per cent); Investment/ GDP was 29.2 per cent (26.5 per cent). Per Capita GNP stood at USD 1,236 (USD1,188), inflation rose to 13 per cent (11.6%) and the exchange rate was Rs 223: GBP 1 (Rs 194: GBP 1 ).
English language provision is seen as important as a link language between different linguistic and cultural communities, and English medium schooling is being encouraged. English is in demand as a learning tool, providing opportunities for access to further education, ICT, employment, economic development, and within communities for helping Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim groups understand each other (children, authorities, uniformed personnel, etc.).
Information technology is being extended rapidly around the country (from a low base). Internet access is slowly increasing. Meanwhile, there is a great need for training at all levels, in public and private sectors, in how to use new technologies. Many international and Sri Lankan NGOs, as well as government bodies, are engaging in multicultural community initiatives to help bridge the many divides which have developed over the past 19 years of war. Some seek to heal damaged lives through work schemes or community theatre. Others seek to develop civic awareness, encourage democratic processes, and improve information flow. Many work with young people, who have grown up cut off from contact with other parts of their country. There is an urban-based 'techno savvy' generation emerging, which expects much better access to learning, employment and travel opportunities. They expect better career guidance.
The demand for higher education provision continues to grow annually and supply cannot meet demand. In 2004 only 14 percent out of the 108,357 students satisfying minimum entry were selected for university in Sri Lanka.
While parents and students value higher education, they are far from happy with what is offered by Sri Lankan colleges and universities. Current scenario in Sri Lanka is that even if a student gets a place in a local university he/she has to take the following into consideration:
- teaching, administrative staff and students “go on strikes” mean that universities are forced to close regularly
- students do not get into the popular/preferred universities
- students do not get their preferred choice of course
- “ragging” an induction programme which has caused student deaths and puts many off
- a large number of graduates are unemployed
Parents with the capacity to choose are increasingly unwilling to send their children to Sri Lankan universities and seek overseas educational opportunities. Figures indicate that there are approximately 9,000 Sri Lankans going abroad on annual basis. Over the years we have seen a steady increase in the number of Sri Lankans going to the UK to study and we forecast the figure to be close to 2,000 student visas issued in 2006. We expect the growth in numbers to be driven by UK institutions who make the courses more affordable by:
- Accepting part qualified students into their final year.
- Partnering with local providers and offering 2+1 programmes.
- Private BAC accredited institutions offering courses at less than GBP4000
Demand for international education and qualifications continues to grow. An increasing number of UK institutions see Sri Lanka as a significant market, as they seek to diversify. They are also establishing more courses run jointly with Sri Lankan institutions in-country, and / or promoting distance or open learning methods. Increasing numbers of students and professionals take examinations which give them international currency.
An increase in demand for international school leaving qualification has also occurred, despite high fees. Although the majority of families do not have the resources to pursue an international education, there is a growing disillusion with the options that the state offers, meaning that those with the funds are looking for alternatives. Of even more significance, a growing number of Sinhala (the mother tongue of the majority of people of Sri Lanka) medium private schools are now offering British A-levels as an option, and the uptake is high. (Note: to get into universities in Sri Lanka, students must sit for the Sri Lankan A-Levels. International schools do not offer their students the option of taking Sri Lankan A-levels.) In 2004, Sri Lankan private schools (national and international) are likely to be producing around 1,000 candidates with good British A-levels, plus the desire and the financial resources to study at degree or diploma level.
There is also demand for postgraduate studies in the research fields. Graduate output from Sri Lankan universities for the year 2002 were 9,027 (first degree) and 1,996 (postgraduate). Out of these, a considerable percentage of graduates preferring research programmes have also increased in the fields of Bio-Technology, Pharmacology and Molecular Biology. In addition, the University of Colombo has introduced new undergraduate courses in Pharmacology and Bio-chemistry. However, there are no postgraduate courses in these fields and, as a result there is further demand for research programmes abroad. MBAs have become very popular with professionals, but they generally opt for distance learning / affiliated courses, due to the high cost.
An opportunity for UK institutions linking with Sri Lankan Universities is the Asia-Link Programme. An initiative developed by the European Commission to promote regional and multilateral networking between higher education institutions in EU Member states and South Asia, South East Asia and China. The programme aims to promote the creation of new partnerships and sustainable links between European and Asian higher education institutions, and to reinforce existing partnerships.
Sri Lanka is not an “Education UK Partnership” country. We have to generate funds to deliver our events to the standards expected. The priority for British Council Sri Lanka is to encourage top up degrees. We encourage UK based institutions to build more links with the local colleges and provide affiliated courses in Sri Lanka. The type of courses currently on offer in Sri Lanka are available on the Sri Lanka Education UK website: http://www.educationuk.lk/
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