E mail: oleap@iname.com / jnfer@ou.ac.lk
Abstract: The Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon which is the professional body of chemists in Sri Lanka has been very actively engaged in the provision of tertiary educational opportunities in the Chemical Sciences for the past 3 decades. The Technicians Diploma (in Laboratory Technology) has provided the only such programme in any branch of pure science at the middle level in Sri Lanka and has so far produced 526 qualified Chemistry Technicians who are making a distinct contribution to the work of Graduate Chemists in service, analytical and research institutions. The Institute's Graduateship Programme, now in its 23rd year, has been a resounding example of die tremendous input that a professional body can make towards human resource development in a national scenario that is able to allow only 2% of the relevant student cohort to pursue free tertiary education in the state Universities in Sri Lanka. 253 Graduate Chemists have passed out so far in 18 batches. The Graduate Chemists who have passed out, have been able to obtain employment as well as opportunities for Post Graduate Study, not only within Sri Lanka but in many countries throughout the world.
The College of Chemical Sciences that was established by the Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon on the occasion of its Diamond Jubilee in January 2001 is confidently expected to enhance these activities with much more autonomy through its recognition as a Degree Awarding Institution for which Sri Lanka's Parliament will very soon make legislative provision. This College is the first of such institutions to be created in Sri Lanka. Apart from formal Postgraduate, Graduate, Diploma and Certificate Programmes in varied branches of Chemistry, the College will also offer shorter Knowledge Based courses in many areas related to the Chemical Sciences.
The ability of the Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon - a constituent body of FACS - to make use of its members working in various Universities and research institutions to enhance the provision of recognised tertiary level programmes geared towards meeting the national human resource needs of a developing nation is most exemplary, commendable and worthy of emulation.
CEJ Vol. 5, No. 2, Contents