Business
SLIIT Bachelor of Education programmes offer pathways to meaningful and fulfilling teaching careers with strong 21st century skills
Contributing to the development of the national education platform, SLIIT is offering new Bachelor of Education programmes, namely the B.Ed (Hons) in Social Sciences and B.Ed (Hons) in Information Technology. These programmes enable students to obtain pathways to meaningful and fulfilling teaching careers with strong 21st-century skills. The SLIIT B.Ed programmes are four-year full-time degrees that offer both a professional component and a subject component catering to students who seek a career trajectory as teachers. In addition to the above-mentioned programmes, SLIIT also offers B.Ed degrees in English, Biological Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
The B.Ed degree programmes are conducted by SLIIT’s Faculty of Humanities and Sciences – School of Education. All B.Ed programmes have received prior permission and approval from the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission. The B.Ed (Hons) in Social Sciences offers students a balance between theoretical and practical sessions on Social Sciences and Education-related subjects. The programme particularly accommodates those who wish to become social science teachers.
Components include philosophical, psychological, and sociological foundations, economics, commerce, and soft skills. The B.Ed (Hons) in Information Technology caters mainly to students who wish to become IT teachers. Particularly with the demand for IT skills to meet 21st-century work, IT teachers are required.
Additionally, the SLIIT B.Ed (Hons) in IT will support the government in facilitating IT teachers for school vacancies. Prof. T. Thanaraj, Head of the School of Education, noted, “SLIIT has taken on the national responsibility by producing teachers. We offer a very effective and powerful B.Ed programme, especially our B.Ed in IT, and I believe it will be recognised as a flagship programme not only for SLIIT but set an example for the whole country. Today, we can proudly note that several of our graduates are now successfully employed as teachers in schools across the country.” The B.Ed (Hons) in English produces teachers who are competent to teach English Language and Literature in secondary schools, including G.C.E Advance Level classes. Components include English language and grammar, teaching methodologies, academic reading, and writing, etc.
Similarly, we offer B.Ed (Hons) in Physical Sciences and B.Ed (Hons) in Biological Sciences. An important aspect of the SLIIT B.Ed programmes is the Teaching Practicum. As a precursor to students’ graduation, they have to undergo 12 weeks of teaching practice, which is organised at the conclusion of their modules. Conducted under Stage 1 and 2, Stage 1 includes teaching in a classroom and is observed by outside lecturers/senior education officers, senior teachers/National Education Officers, etc., to monitor their delivery of lessons. SLIIT also appoints a mentor for each student to support their abilities in a classroom setting. Stage 2 involves SLIIT Faculty observing the students in a classroom setting. The students receive instruction and feedback from faculty supervisors on their performance and delivery.
With the Government’s recent announcement of recruiting as many as 8,000 new teachers in 2023, SLIIT B.Ed graduates who are recognised for their teaching acumen are able to join government schools as teachers, contributing to enhancing the level of education across the country and filling vacancies in the cadre.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”