Imperial Institute, JK Computer Services forge partnership

Training the Sri Lankan IT Force

By Jehanki Anandha
The ‘work cum study’ Degree Programmeme a novel in the industry of Education and IT was inaugurated by the joint efforts of Imperial Institute of Higher Education and John Keells Computer Services last week.

Speaking to the gathering CEO / Academic Director of IIHE Dr. Thilak Weerakoon said “ We are elated to launch the very first private tertiary education in Sri Lanka together with John Keells Computer Services, the pioneer software solutions provider in Sri Lanka. This venture has been the outcome of lack of professional in the IT sector, which has grown to its full potential around the world thus luring many foreign Out Sourcing investors to our shores. Realizing this shortage of IT professionals we have embarked on this initiative based on ‘work cum study’ which will grant our students two fold benefits – knowledge and hands on experience. There fore IIHE dedicated and committed to its vision of producing quality professionals in the field of IT, has developed Computing Degrees which will ensure productively employable graduates with initial training.

Thus we have invited the industry to become collaborators in this innovative education system that is granted as an internal Degree form the University of Wales. We thank JKCS for becoming the forerunner in sponsoring few students for this programmeme and thus welcome others to join in this endeavor of building surplus IT force for our country” The two degrees, offered by IIHE are BSc (Hons) Computing with Software Engineering and BSc (Hons) Computing with Management provided by University of Wales. Under this programme the students will be employed with their sponsor thus working four days a week while lectures will be given on the Friday and Saturday to make the study programme viable, valuable and credible.
Presenting his views on being the first to sponsor this innovative ‘work cum study’ venture by IIHE, John Keells holdings Executive Vice President and Head of IT Sujiva Devaraj noted “ John Keells Holdings is enthralled to be associated with IIHE in developing the IT force of our country to be on par with the global demands and standards.

A research by SLICDA funded by USAID states that the demand for IT professional in the next year will be 7000 out of which 5000 are expected and required to be graduates. Our education system produces only 3000 graduates per year. The gap identified is vast. The objective of JKCS to be collaborated on this venture with IIHE is two sided. We, the IT sector do need professional with the right knowledge and experience to function to world class standards whilst the need has risen to bridge the gap in the IT force to meet the demands in the industry. Thus a student enrolling for this programme will receive 4 plus years of experience and a world recognized degree while the IT industry will be able to fill the gap. We hope that this innovation in education will set the stage for other institutions to allow whilst produce more sector and stake holder beneficial programmes that will enhance and contribute to the development of our economy.”

Participants for the programme will be selected through an exhaustive application interview and review process and should possess a minimum of 2 passes in the A/L, 6 passes at O/L with credits for Math and English or International Baccalaureate with 26 points. Students wishing to apply be over 21 years of age should possess adequate work experience. In addition all applicants are requested to have basic knowledge of JAVA, whilst those who lack the language will be trained by IIHE and JKCS. The students upon selection will be employed by the sponsor for 4 years working Monday to Thursday whilst lectures will he held on Friday and Saturday at IIHE.