Newsletter Issue 1
The Role of Non-State Higher Education in National Development
In the midst of post-pandemic recovery and economic challenges, Sri Lanka is beset with a grave challenge: a dearth of adequately trained human resources to contribute to national development. State university admission has become increasingly competitive over the years due to the limited number of places available for GCE A/L qualified students. Moreover, those who follow A/L equivalent international curricula cannot enter the state universities.
Consequently, non-state higher education institutes play a vital role in expanding higher education opportunities. Their ability to collaborate with foreign universities to offer innovative study programmes including joint degrees and dual degrees allows these institutes to recruit students to study programs of international repute.
An Interview with Dr. Athula Pitigala-Arachchi, President of SLANSHEI
In this interview, Dr. Athula Pitigala-Arachchi explains the goals of SLANSHEI and how we set about developing the non-state higher education sector of Sri Lanka to be one of the most robust and reputed in the region.
“SLANSHEI is committed to developing Sri Lanka as an Education Hub in South Asia" – Dr. Athula Pitigala Arachchi, President, SLANSHEI
Founder Secretary’s Diary
" SLANSHEI has been able to make significant contributions to the developments of the non-state sector. I am pleased to record a few key initiatives that are likely to have a lasting impact. " – Professor Colin Peiris
Prof. Colin remarks on some of the key milestones in the journey to date.
SLANSHEI Holds its AGM
Sri Lanka Association of Non- State Higher Education Institutes (SLANSHEI) held its annual general meeting on
30 March 2022. SLANSHEI’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025, which focuses on developing the non-state higher education sector in Sri Lanka to be one of the most robust and reputable in the region was adopted at the AGM.
The Strategic Plan covered several aspects vital to the non-state higher education sector such as expansion, improving the quality and standards, attracting increasing numbers of foreign students, enhancing the research profile and research output, and promoting internationalization.
Upcoming Events 2023
This year, SLANSHEI is looking to organize events for both academics and students. SLANSHEI Research Summit will be a forum for academics and students in member institutions as well as academics in in Sri Lanka and the region, to present their research.
SLANSHEI wishes to organise the ‘Future Leaders’ Summit’ in partnership with the Ministry of Education, to prepare our youth to not only survive but also thrive in this new and continuously evolving global economy.