October 16, Colombo (LNW): A six-member committee of specialists has been formally appointed to evaluate and enhance the academic programmes offered by the University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC) in Ratmalana.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, is aimed at raising the university’s academic standards to better align with both national priorities and global benchmarks.
The expert panel has been commissioned to submit a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Minister, focusing on improving the quality, relevance, and international competitiveness of UNIVOTEC’s course offerings. The appointments were made by the Secretary to the Ministry, Mr Nalaka Kaluwewa, as part of a broader effort to reform vocational and technical education in the country.
Heading the committee is Dr Janaka Jayalath, a seasoned academic and current member of the Ministry’s Advisory Board. He will be joined by Prof Thushara Chaminda from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ruhuna, and Prof J.C.N. Rajendra, a member of UNIVOTEC’s governing council.
The panel also includes Dr K.A. Lalithatheera, Director General of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, as well as Eng. S.B. Anura Deshapriya Semasinghe, CEO of Central Engineering Services (Private) Ltd., who brings international industry experience from both Sri Lanka and Abu Dhabi. Serving as convener is Himali W.K. Athaudage, Additional Secretary of the Ministry’s Vocational Education Division.
The committee is expected to deliver strategic guidance on curriculum development, accreditation, industry linkages, and capacity building, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that UNIVOTEC’s academic pathways are competitive, responsive to labour market needs, and recognised internationally.
