Sri Lanka University Academics Views To Be Sought For Leadership Training Program

The Sri Lankan Higher Education Ministry will seek the university academics' and Vice Chancellors' views on the on-going leadership training and positive abilities development programme conducted for freshers. "This can be considered as a fruitful measure to create a perfect programme," Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake said. The ministry will make appropriate changes to the leadership and positive abilities development programme in accordance with the proposals and ideas of the academics and the VCs.

Several changes will be made in this year's programme considering feedback from students, parents and university academics, the minister said.

The Higher Education Ministry has been carrying out the leadership training programme for students entering the university for two years, with the collaboration of Defence and Urban Development Ministry. Accordingly, around 25,000 undergraduates, who will be enrolled for university education this year will undergo the leadership and positive abilities development training at 29 locations countrywide.

The programme came under severe criticism from the Opposition political parties and student unions. These critics were of the view that the leadership training and positive abilities development programme was a military training although there is no weapons involvement. 'However, finally all these critics and the society at large have clearly understood that the leadership and positive abilities development programme was of great advantage to the entire life of an undergraduate. It is the government's view that local undergraduates lack management skills and supervisory capabilities although they receive an adequate knowledge of the subjects they study. By following the programme they will receive the necessary training and aptitude to meet this challenge, Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Ministry Director General of Students Affairs Keerthi Mawella said, the three week leadership and positive abilities development programme for university entrants for the 2011/2012 academic year will commence in two months. He said the Higher Education Ministry will announce the exact date following the Attorney General's advice. The ministry will send letters to the selected students next month, Mawella said.

The programme's aim is to develop leadership skills and change the undergraduates' attitude. The training comprises both theory and practical sessions, that include indoor and outdoor activities. Courtesy: Daily News - Sri Lanka

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