A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL SRI LANKAN LEADER BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF DEAKIN UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA

Deakin University, Australia played host to a distinguished stakeholder partner evening at Shangri-La Colombo on 18 October, coinciding with the inaugural visit of its Vice-Chancellor Prof. Iain Martin to Sri Lanka.

The evening was not only a celebration of the extensive collaboration between the university and partners in Sri Lanka but also a recognition of outstanding leadership in the field of international education.

The spotlight shone on G. T. Bandara, the esteemed Founder and Chairman of the Royal Institute International School (RI) and Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC), who was honoured for his visionary commitment to providing high quality international education.

Education beyond academics

With a legacy spanning over half a century, G. T. Bandara has been instrumental in instilling a blend of Sri Lankan values and a global outlook in the young minds of Sri Lanka. The fruits of his visionary efforts are more evident today than ever before as the institutions he founded continue to thrive and make a significant impact on education.

The true worth of education lies in its ability to prepare learners for life, fostering not only academic competencies but also life skills and values.

The Royal Institute International School and its tertiary education counterpart, the Royal Institute of Colombo, stand as vision driven entities dedicated to meeting the educational needs of learners from nursery to postgraduate levels by adopting comprehensive curricula, and embracing technology driven delivery mechanisms through hybrid classrooms.

This holistic approach strengthens the teaching-learning process, establishing a seamless connection between classroom learning and real world experiences, from early childhood to postgraduate levels.

Prof. Iain Martin commends RIC’s impact at Deakin

Prof. Iain Martin underscored the enduring partnership between RIC and Deakin, spanning more than a decade. He praised G. T. Bandara’s leadership, noting that RIC’s contribution goes beyond being a partner to Deakin, and involves shared curriculum and co-teaching, providing students with enriching learning experiences.

RIC offers Deakin University’s curriculum under licence and direct guidance of the university, uniquely preparing students for an Australian learning environment. Undergraduates have the flexibility to start their studies in Sri Lanka and migrate to Australia through the Pathway Programme to complete the degree.

Prof. Iain Martin highlighted the visionary nature of G. T. Bandara, describing him as a transformative educator whose passion and drive have significantly impacted generations of students in Sri Lanka.

The stakeholder partner evening was a joyous occasion, marked by expressions of gratitude for G. T. Bandara’s exemplary leadership and his pivotal role in advancing international education in Sri Lanka.

G. T. Bandara’s inspiring contribution to local education was eloquently praised by Prof. Iain Martin, offering a heartfelt justification for the prestigious award bestowed upon him: “Mr. Bandara, you are a great educator and a great provider to the lineage of education.”

– Compiled by Ruwandi Perera
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