University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka celebrates 50th Golden Jubilee
By Hiran | October 7, 2008
Series of events have been planned to celebrate Golden Jubilee of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Key events are:
Pirith Ceremony- 2 Jan. 2009
Alms Giving - 3 Jan. 2009
Medical Exhibition - 6 to 12 Jan. 2009 at BMICH
Golden Jubilee Celebration Ceremony - 18 Feb. 2009
Launching of Commemorative Stamp - 18 Feb. 2009
Arts, Management & Science Exhibition- 19 to 21 Feb. 2009 at University premises.
Cultural Festival
Academic Conference - 10 to 12 Dec. 2009 at University premises.
Topics: Universities | No Comments »
Top students of Biology Olympiad from Vishaka, Nalanda, Dharmaraja and Polonnaruwa Royal
By Hiran | September 29, 2008
Award ceramony of First Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad was held at Annual Sessions of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka at SLAAS auditorium, Colombo 7 on 26 September 2008. Best four students were from Vishaka Vidyalaya, Nalanda College, Dharmaraja College, Kandy and Polonnaruwa Royal College. 1500 candidates participated this competition which was held on 20 June 2008 at 8 Examination centers throughout the country and 14 Gold, 15 Silver and 28 Bonze medals were awarded. Certificates for candidates who obtaiend more than 50% of marks were posted and results are pubished in www.iobsl.org web site.
Gold medalists of the 2008 Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad were:
D P U T Samarasiri - Visaka Vidyalaya Colombo 5
G R S Gamlath - Nalanda College, Colombo 10.
Athapatthu A S - Dharmaraja Colledge , Kandy
Gunarathne M S P - Royal Central College, Polonnaruwa.
Wijayabandara M D M S - Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo 04
Kariyawasam H M L - Musaeus College, Colombo 7
Samaranayake W D M - Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 10.
Rabel M K G - Royal College, Colombo 07
Ariyarathne W A S A - Bandaranayeka College, Gampaha
De Silva E G H E - Visaka Vidyalaya , Colombo 04
Wanasinghe N C - Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo 5
Chandrasiri D M D P - Holy Cross College,Gampaha
Jayah F Q - Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 08
Warapitiya D S - Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo 08
Topics: Biology, Schools | No Comments »
Science yet to get due recognition - Sunday Observer Interview
By Hiran | September 22, 2008
Face 2 Face Interview conducted by Dhaneshi Yatawara appeared on Sunday 21 September 2008 on Sunday Observer.
We are hoping for a hi-tech, sophisticated future for us and our next generation to live in. But how successful are we in achieving this dream? How are we faring in the field of science? Hence, ‘Face 2 Face’ is focusing on a scientific approach.
Dr. Hiran Amarasekara - Senior Lecturer, Dept of Forestry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and
Dr. M.C.N. Jayasuriya - Director/ CEO, National Science Foundation
1) How do you see the present state of the advancement of the science field?
A number of research is being done by a limited number of people. We have only a few scientists. We have a severe brain drain. Many scientists have gone abroad finding better employment and opportunities to expand their knowledge. National Science Foundation is set up in order to support the research in the country. Though there was a supported research culture in Sri Lanka the outcome was not felt by the people. The researches have produced results but these were not translated in a manner which a non-scientific person would be able to understand. Some of these researches have not been directed towards yielding an outcome. As a result now we have reoriented ourselves to developmental research; Researches that would give a developed result. We identify a theme that would be beneficial for the development and the country’s priorities. And then get the scientists to achieve that goal.Hence, we will have answers in another few years, to the problems we are facing today.
We had a good science culture from the beginning. We had Tea, Rubber Research Institutes and Agriculture Research Institutes as well. The Universities too conducted research programs. Then we have Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, particularly assigned to look into the advancement of the field. There are institutes for Chemistry, Physics and Biology which also contribute to the Scientific research field. But, recently we see many countries have taken a quick step forward.
Countries like India, China have taken huge steps in their science and technological cultures targeting to be technologically advanced countries. Hence, comparatively we are still lagging behind unable to go in line with the other countries.
Topics: Chemistry, Universities | No Comments »
Colombo International Book Fair
By Hiran | September 22, 2008
The Colombo International book fair began 20th September at the BMICH. The organizers, Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association, claims that there are publishers from many other countries. However we have seen the same Sri Lankan publishers and some indian publishers are attneding the book fair.
This year parking was not provided for customers, and organizers have used that space also for book stalls. There are many small book stalls displaying same types of books in the exhibition. One stall owner told us that they paid Rs 40,000 to particpate the fair, and it would be very difficult to get any profit from the book sales as there are many stalls and fewer custormers compared to last year.
Topics: books | No Comments »
Educational video segments from NASA
By Hiran | September 22, 2008
NASA eClips are short, relevant educational video segments. NASA explains:
“These videos inspire and engage students, helping them see real world connections. New video segments are produced weekly exploring current applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM topics. The programs are produced for targeted audiences: grades 1-5, 6-8, 9-12 and the general public.”
The eClips are availabel at NASA eClips and their YouTube channel
Topics: Schools, eLearning | No Comments »
Become effective youth after advanced level exam
By Hiran | August 19, 2008
Just finished 2008 Advanced level and looking for what to do? Come to the special lecture titled “Usas pelin pasu abhimanawath yauwanayakata” organized by studentlanka.com and Young Biologists’ Association, Sri Lanka. The lecture, conducted by Mr. Saman Weerawansa, lecturer of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute will be held on Tuesday, 2 September 2008 at National Museum, Colombo 7 of Natural History. The lecture will start at 2.45 pm at the place. All are invited to participate.
You may also like to check following posts on what to do after A Levels?
Courses you can do after Advanced Level
Higher education choices after A/L (18+ students)
Local vs Foreign education
National Universities in Sri Lanka
Topics: Courses, Schools, Universities, study abroad | No Comments »
Study in the UK – Guide for Sri Lankan students on Degree programs in British Universities
By Hiran | July 29, 2008
UK Higher Education institutions offer internationally recognised Bachelor’s degrees (also called undergraduate or first degrees) on various subjects.
Entry requirements for Bachelor’s degrees (e.g. BA, BSc.) programs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are two/ three A-levels (local or British) or equivalent plus English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS).
According to the British Council, Sri Lanka web site, the average costs for undergraduate courses (in 2008) are listed below, but it’s worth bearing in mind that course fees can vary considerably between institutions.
Foundation courses £4,000 to £12,000 per year
Arts courses £7,000 to £9,000 per year
Science courses £7,500 to £12,000 per year
Clinical courses £10,000 to £21,000 per year
Degrees (undergraduate qualification) courses, usually studied over three years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, or four years in Scotland (where the title Master’s Degree may be awarded). You have the choice of studying a single honours degree where you’ll focus entirely on one subject, or you can study two subjects in what’s called a joint honours or combined honours degree.
There are numerous scholarships available, go to British Council web site for details.
For details:
Meet customer service officers at the Education Services Section of the British Council, Colombo, or join the undergraduate presentation conducted at British Council.
British Council, 49 Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3
Telephone +94 (0)11 4521521
Fax +94 (0)11 2587079
E-mail: enquiries.cmb@britishcouncil.org
British Council, 88/3 Kotugodella Veediya, Kandy
Telephone +94 (0)81 2222410, 2234634
More details by Janak Gunatilleke, educated in Royal College, Colombo and did medical degree in University of Leicester:
If you are interested in studying in the UK, start researching early. UK Universities normally have only one intake per year and the time may vary according to the institution and the course.
Along with the British Council in Sri Lanka, the best place to start is the Times Online Good University Guide. This is an excellent resource complete with ranking of Universities by individual subjects, reviews, student guides, information to help you choose subjects, and financial advice. For MBA or business orientated courses, the Financial Times website is the best.
When you narrow the search down to a few Universities, visit their websites and have a look around. Navigate to the department that is relevant to your course and read through the methods of teaching, research interests of the lectures and professors, and the rating the department has received. You can also gain a huge amount of information about the University, the City in which it is based, student support, the activities and societies, the accommodation on offer, and the sports facilities.
Finally, email their student support section or their recruitment office and ask for the email of the Sri Lankan Society, the International Society or any student that is willing to chat with you. This is a very good method to gain first-hand experience and also to demonstrate that you have made the effort to really find out about the University and the course.
If you need any help with your applications or have any other questions, please email me studentlanka@themadworld.com
Topics: Chemistry, Courses, Podcasts, Universities, study abroad | No Comments »
Study in India - How Sri Lankans can select good colleges?
By Hiran | July 28, 2008
Some Sri Lankans choose to study in
Ranking of Indian Higher education institutes (Colleges)
There is no formal rating of the colleges by the government; therefore the annual survey published by
This year’s (2008) ranking was published on May 22 on the web and appears on the cover story of June 2 printed edition. The rankings-
Arts: Loyola Chennai
Science: Loyola Chennai
Commerece: SRCC
Engineering: IIT
Medicine: AIIMS
LAW: NALSAR
Read India Today Full article on the Science college rankings in 2008
Higher Education System in India
Central Government is responsible for major policy relating to higher education in the country. It provides grants to the UGC and establishes central universities in the country. Presently there are sixteen (18) Central Universities in the country.
State Governments are responsible for establishment of State Universities and colleges. There are about 200 universities and 13,000 colleges in the country, and about 5 million students apply for these colleges.
For details please refer Department of Higher Education web site of the Government of Inda.
Academic Qualification Framework in India- Degree Structure
There are three principle levels of qualifications within the higher education system in the country. These are:
Bachelor / Undergraduate level
Master’s / Post-graduate level
Doctoral / Pre-doctoral level
Related Posts:
- Higher Education Choices for 18+ (after GCE AL) in Sri Lanka and aborad
- Select Courses and Universities in Sri Lanka
- National Universities in Sri Lanka
- Bachelor’s degree programs in USA
Topics: Courses, Universities, study abroad | No Comments »
Learning Habits and rituals
By Hiran | July 23, 2008
Students study in different ways. They have various habits and rituals when studying for exams. Some prefer to study early in the morning, whereas others study at night. Some prefer to read loudly as they study and some want to read silently.
Please share your learning habits with others.
Janak Gunatilleke, educated in Royal College, Colombo and did medical degree in University of Leicester writes:
When I was revising for A/Ls, each and every one of my friends had a slightly different way of revising, preparing for exams and making notes (if any). I think the most important thing to realise is that there is no absolute right and wrong way, just the way you are comfortable with and what works for you.
My advice is to experiment. Early on in A/Ls or while in O/L stages, try out a few different methods; vary the time in which you study, try reading out aloud, try studying alone, or in a study group, and try making short notes or using the highlighter pen. Depending on what you find easiest and what brings you the best results in school exams or when answering practice questions, decide on your ‘very own studying pattern’. Don’t be too worried about what your friends are doing, find out what works best for you and stick to it!
Topics: Schools, Universities, study tips | 2 Comments »
Read good books to transform your life
By Hiran | July 2, 2008
In this era, knowledge is the power. You may be an expert on some subject area and may have read books in your specialized area. However to get an overall picture of what is happening in this rapidly changing world it is important to read books out of your subject area.
In Sri Lanka, there are many books on positive thinking published by Sri Lankan authors such as Daya Rohana Athukorala, Gamini Kumara Withana, Sumanadasa Samarasinghe, Nalaka Hewamadduma, Leelananda Gamachchi, Lal Fonseka, Deepal Sooriyarachchi, Prianga de Soyza and Sarath Wijesooriya. Most of them are translated to Sinhala from English books, and some of them are original books.
There are many great books written by influential writers in countries such as USA and UK; some of these books have changed the way people behave and take decisions.
These are some of my book recommendations for those who like to know about trends and ideas in the changing world. Some of these books such as Blink, Tipping point can be purchased in Sri Lankan bookstores, however other you may have to order online from the company such as www.amazon.com. Just click the book icon and you will be taken to Amazon book store. I have ordered several books form them, though their postage is expensive, the service is excellent, you can read reviews by several users of the books, which makes the selecting books easier.
World is flat.
Technology has made the world flat, all of are interconnected by technology.
Getting things done
Learn the art of stress free productivity methods. Discover methods to increase your personal organization, efficiency and creative results- at work and home.
Laws of Simplicity
Ten laws of simplicity in design, technology, business and life. Learn how to produce things that are simple and easy to use, while doing all the complex things we might ever want to do. For example Law 10, tells us: “Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful”.
Tipping Point
How little things can make a big difference. Learn how ideas, trends and social behaviors tip and spread like wildfire.
Blink
This will make you think about how you think.
India 2020 – A vision for the new millennium
by A P J Abdul Kalam with Y S Rajan
Learn how India is heading towards its vision in achieving a technologically developed nation.
The RealAge Makeover
Learn how eating, walking, strength training and other choices will keep you young and live longer.
Topics: Schools, Universities, books | 1 Comment »