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‘Times Institute of Higher Education’ inaugurated by the President

Published

2 years ago

2024/09/12

Priyan

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the country will soon see the establishment of numerous new educational institutions, both public and private. These new institutions will provide young people with opportunities for higher education that meet global standards.

The President made this statement during a ceremony this morning (12) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, where he inaugurated the “Times Institute of Higher Education.”

The Times Institute of Higher Education, which is a subsidiary of Wijaya Newspaper Company Limited, has been set up to offer education aligned with international standards. It is working in collaboration with three foreign universities and higher education institutions to achieve this goal.

A diverse array of job-oriented education courses are offered at the Times Institute of Higher Education, encompassing three main qualification categories: certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma courses. Additionally, the institute provides professional skill development programs as well as undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its Digital Academy.

The institute’s activities will be overseen by a five-member advisory board, appointed by the Wijaya Newspaper Company. This board comprises experts in the field and aims to ensure that the education provided meets global standards. The governing authority has expressed its commitment to enhancing the quality of education for Sri Lankan youth by establishing connections with more foreign universities in the future.

During the inauguration event, President Wickremesinghe also launched the new website for the “Times Institute of Higher Education.”

Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;

Today, I had the privilege of inaugurating the Times Institute of Higher Education, an institution designed to meet the demands of modern education. This institute aims to offer diploma opportunities to students who have completed their A-level examinations.

As our country advances toward an export-oriented economy and looks ahead to the mid-21st century, acquiring new knowledge becomes crucial. Consequently, we will need more institutions like this one in the future. The Times Institute also features a digital academy, which will greatly benefit the youth of our nation.

We plan to allocate government funds to support 50,000 youths to receive vocational training at recognized institutions. We have the capability to establish such institutions to provide this training, complementing existing training programs. Additionally, as our country develops over the coming years, increased investment opportunities and the creation of new industries are expected to generate approximately 100,000 new jobs in both the public and private sectors.

To achieve this, it is crucial that educational institutions meet high standards. Therefore, we plan to expand the number of both public and private educational institutions in our country. Our goal is to provide the youth with the support they need to access quality employment opportunities.

Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha, representatives from international educational institutions, including New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. David Pine, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge and its officials, Director of Times School of Higher Education Janaka Rathnakumara and its academic staff, university lecturers, the Board of Directors of the Wijaya Newspaper Company, and various other invitees were also present at the event.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/18

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 17 April 2026, valid for 18 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

Latest News

Navy seize 161kg heroin shipment in high-seas operation

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/17

Priyan

Being a key frontline stakeholder in the national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy continues to maintain a vigilant maritime shield to eradicate the drug menace from society.

During yet another successful operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehended four suspects in connection with the
smuggling of a stock of suspected narcotics.

The intercepted trawler, along with the suspects, was escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today, (17 April 2026).

During a special inspection at the fisheries harbour, the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the presence of over 161kg of heroin.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, to inspect seized narcotics.

Addressing the media, the Deputy Minister emphasized that drug trafficking has long persisted as an organized and sophisticated criminal enterprise. He highlighted that under the current government’s national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ a robust state mechanism is now in motion, integrating the Tri-Forces, Police, Special Task Force, PNB, and international agencies to dismantle these networks.

Underscoring the Navy’s operational success, the Deputy Minister revealed that in 2025 alone, the Navy seized narcotics valued at over Rs. 75,000 million. In the first four months of 2026, the momentum has continued with nearly Rs. 50,000 million worth of drugs intercepted and produced for legal action.

During this short period, 14 local multi-day trawlers and 127 suspects have been apprehended. He issued a stern assurance that seized drugs would never find their way back into society, as they are systematically destroyed under strict protocols.
“Human capital is our nation’s most vital asset,” the Deputy Minister noted, adding that a healthy population leads to a quality workforce and a resilient economy. He further remarked that the vision of a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, extends beyond financial stability to include the dignity, discipline, and mindset of the citizenry.

“On the instructions of the President, new legislation is being drafted for Parliamentary approval to further empower this national mission and ensure a law-abiding, civilized society for future generations”, he stated.

Concluding the briefing, the Deputy Minister lauded the media for their role in drug prevention and urged continued responsible journalism to educate the public on the dangers of narcotics.

Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects, the multi-day trawler, and the 161kg heroin shipment were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward investigation and legal proceedings.