Students who acquire overseas qualifications should return to serve country

The British High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick says that it is advisory for local students to go abroad to acquire academic qualifications and gain work experience, but ensure to come back to Sri Lanka as they have brighter future nearby.

According to the economists’ predictions for the next 50 years, the places that are going to grow are not Europe, it’s not the United States, Canada or Australia. “But the epicenter of growth in the 21st century is going to be just 45 minutes away from Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu).”

He made these observations at a Higher Education Forum 2024 in Colombo recently.

“I am convinced that if you’re farsighted as a student in Sri Lanka, you may go abroad, but you want to come back here and be part of that exciting future of Sri Lanka,” said the chief guest.

Patrick also added “Sri Lanka is one of the largest markets for BTEC qualifications in the world. I think it’s understandable because it provides a qualification that’s internationally recognised that gives you a qualification in English, the language of modern technology and business which prepares you so well to go and work in the international market.”

Top performing educational institutions were awarded in recognition of several key accomplishments at this event. The media covering the event on the invitation by the organizers, Pearson’s Higher Education were given step motherly treatment at the end of the event as the organizers compelled the media who were invited to cover the event to a small area from the main reception area.