Page 14 - QUALITY Magazine (Volume 03 - Issue I)

without the resources they need to succeed. Another
01 Thank you, Professor, for taking the major concern is the over-reliance on traditional,
time to join us and share your valuable
insights. To begin, could you tell our teacher-centered pedagogies that don’t encourage
critical thinking or creativity. Assessments often
readers about your background and your focus on rote memorization rather than practical
inspiring journey in the field of education application of knowledge. Moreover, the lack of
in Sri Lanka?
adequate infrastructure and insufficient teacher
I have been actively engaged in the higher education training exacerbate these problems. Students are
sector since 1986, contributing both as an academic increasingly disillusioned with the system, often
and an academic administrator. Currently, I am pursuing quick certificates instead of focusing on
working as a Professor in Accounting at the acquiring essential skills in their chosen fields.
Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Lastly, there’s a growing gap in the development
Studies and Commerce (FMSC) at the University of of practical and soft skills, which directly affects
Sri Jayawardenepura. Earlier, I held key leadership students’ employability in the competitive job
roles as the Dean of FMSC and the Head of the market. These challenges need urgent attention for
Department of Accounting at the same university. the system to evolve and meet the needs of today’s
Additionally, I bring nearly six years of experience learners.
as the Director General of the Sri Lanka Institute of
Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE), along
with valuable exposure to the non-state higher 03 With technology rapidly evolving, how
education sector through my roles as a Consultant do you see digital learning transforming
and Dean of the Faculty of Business Management traditional classroom education in the
at one of the leading non-state Universities in Sri next decade?
Lanka. Digital learning is set to revolutionize traditional
education by providing personalized learning
In terms of my academic background, I earned my experiences, interactive content, and greater access
bachelor’s degree (B.Com.) from the University of to global resources. Over the next decade, we can
Sri Jayawardenepura, followed by a Postgraduate expect a shift toward hybrid learning models, where
Diploma in Business Analysis and a Master’s degree face-to-face instruction is complemented by online
in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University learning, enhancing both engagement and flexibility
in the United Kingdom, where I was a recipient for students. This blend of in-person and digital
of the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship. education will allow for more dynamic and tailored
I completed my PhD at La Trobe University, approaches to learning. However, a key challenge
Melbourne, Australia, with a degree awarded by the lies in the preparation of some stakeholders,
University of Sri Jayawardenepura. particularly educators, to adapt to these changes.

While technology offers vast opportunities,
ensuring that staff are adequately trained and
02 In your opinion, what are the biggest supported will be crucial. If the Quality Assurance
challenges currently facing the education (QA) Council makes digital learning a core focus, it
system in Sri Lanka? could significantly accelerate this transformation
by prioritizing it over traditional QA processes. This
In my opinion, the education system in Sri Lanka shift could help institutions better align with the
is facing several significant challenges. One of the evolving educational landscape and prepare both
primary issues is the outdated curriculum, which educators and students for the future of learning.
fails to keep pace with the rapidly changing global
landscape. Additionally, access to quality education
remains limited in rural areas, leaving many students