Q: How has Nawaloka College evolved to become a leading higher education destination in the country?

Victor Ramanan (VR): Over the past nine years, Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS) has evolved into a premier higher education destination in the country. Initially partnering with Swinburne University of Technology, renowned for its research excellence, we began with 30 students. Since then, we’ve expanded our offering, becoming a leading partner for the pathway transfer programme in Sri Lanka.

In addition, we established partnerships with universities in the US and UK. Our collaborations with the California State University (CSU) system, and institutions in Kentucky (University of Kentucky), Alabama (University of North Alabama), Tennessee (Austin Peay State University), Nashville, Clarksville, Maryland (Salisbury University) and New York (State University of New York at Albany a.k.a. SUNY Albany), allow students to follow a dual study model.

This approach enables them to complete two years at our institution before transitioning to finish the next two years in the US or UK. Students can join after their O-Levels, complete the foundation and move to Australia, or complete the diploma and move to Australia, and complete the rest of their studies.

Q: Could you tell us about the access provided to world-class universities in Australia, the United States and other countries?

Dilini Gunathilaka: A decade ago, NCHS was founded with the aim of delivering affordable, high quality education. Through strategic partnerships with prestigious global universities from Australia and the US, we adopted a teaching methodology aligned with our partner institutions, facilitating seamless transitions for students between local and international study.

In this accelerated programme, students complete their first year in a mere eight months, benefitting from a condensed yet comprehensive crash course. The curriculum mirrors that of our partner universities, emphasising market-oriented education to enhance employability.

Our state-of-the-art campus replicates the atmosphere of world-class institutions in Australia (Swinburne University of Technology), the US (the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, University of Nebraska Omaha, John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, College of Staten Island in Staten Island, and Californian universities including CSU Northridge, CSU Fresno, CSU Sacramento, CSU Monterey Bay, CSU Bakersfield and CSU San Marcos), the UK (Ulster University) and Malaysia (Swinburne University of Technology).

Additionally, we provide language proficiency support and assist students with the visa process from the outset.

The education, ambience, environment and syllabus adhere to global standards. Students forge lasting friendships during their first year, creating a sense of familiarity for a smooth transition abroad.

Operating on three intakes – in February, June and October – with February being particularly popular for post-A-level registrations, we offer diverse courses in areas such as engineering, business, hospitality and health science, with branches in Kandy and Colombo.

These programmes provide flexible pathways for students and our student councils contribute to the development of leadership skills, preparing students for a successful transition to international education.

Q: What motivated your organisation to enter the higher education sector a decade ago?

VR: The Nawaloka Group – known for its diverse presence in healthcare, construction, finance, real estate, trading and manufacturing – identified the need for an education component.

In collaboration with Nawaloka, I initiated the establishment of the Nawaloka College of Higher Studies. Our commitment to this venture has strengthened over time, resulting in consistent growth.

Our immediate goal involves setting up dedicated premises, a standalone building and implementing an in-house degree completion programme. Prioritising student satisfaction and the delivery of quality education is our core focus, ensuring that students gain meaningful value from their degrees for future pursuits.

What sets NCHS apart is our unique approach to education delivery. All lecturers and academic panel members undergo approval from the respective universities before joining our team. Our university partners ensure that our academic staff is qualified to deliver education at the same standard as overseas institutions.

Crucially, we follow the syllabi and programmes of our partner universities with examinations being monitored by them. This approach offers students a global recognition advantage.

Holding our university certificates enables students to apply to universities worldwide, given the monitored standard of education by reputable foreign institutions. This assures students of recognition for their qualifications.

Q: Can Sri Lanka become a hub for higher education – and what can be done to achieve this goal?

VR: We aim to harness the immense potential of our talented students on a global scale. Sri Lanka has the capability to become an educational hub. It hinges on the government ensuring stability. Presently, professionals – including doctors, finance experts and IT professionals – are leaving the country due to instability.

A challenge is the undervaluation of these professionals by some companies. For example, an IT professional might receive a salary of USD 1,000-2,000 – substantially lower than his/her true value, which would be higher overseas.

To address this, creating a two-way street is imperative. The country and government need support, and our children must receive top tier education. Simultaneously, opportunities should be provided for skilled individuals to work and achieve their aspirations locally.

With existing infrastructure and the upcoming Port City Colombo, there is potential for substantial economic growth. However, prompt action is crucial to realise these opportunities.

– Compiled by Allaam Ousman

Telephone: 5899998 | Email: info@nchs.edu.lk | Website: www.nchs.edu.lk