Concept Paper on Converting the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa to a Fully-fledged State University INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA (ITUM)
8 th March 2023
1 | P a g e Executive Summary This executive summary provides an overview of the concept paper which proposes to convert the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa currently located in Diyagama, Homagama to a fully-fledged University. The proposal envisions the establishment of the University of Technology, Sri Lanka within a short timeframe, with a modest increase to the current budget allocation to the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa. The proposed university will accommodate 800 new graduates as its first intake, and we are confident that it will equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ever-changing technological landscape. Our approach is to utilize existing resources appropriately to ensure cost-effectiveness while still maintaining the quality and standards expected of a world-class institution. Chapter 1: The need for converting the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa to a university and the significance of introducing degree programs in diverse fields of technology is highlighted in this chapter. As the changing requirements of the job market today demand skilful technicians, engineers, and scientists, this conversion will not only accommodate the national policy of producing competent graduates with high employability skills in diverse fields of technology but also grant the institution autonomy to function as a state university under the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka Chapter 2: ITUM has several strengths that can be leveraged to achieve full university status, including its recognition as a higher education institute, well-equipped facilities, highly qualified academic and administrative staff, financial autonomy, and established links with professional organizations. Upon conversion to a fully-fledged university, ITUM can diversify its programs, increase demand from industry and students, expand to e-learning mode, tap into speedy economic reforms, and skill development of its academic staff. Chapter 3: The facilities of ITUM are state-of-the-art and support academic and research pursuits, including a central compound with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, a library, and an interconnected student village consisting of student hostels, canteens, a sports arena, and a medical centre. ITUM also has a talented faculty and employs over 200 academic and nonacademic staff members who provide administrative and support services to students, faculty, and staff. Chapter 4: The proposed university will be located in ITUM Diyagama, Homagama, and will offer faculties of Engineering Technology and Integrated Studies. The Faculty of Engineering Technology will have seven academic departments, and the Faculty of Integrated Studies will have five academic departments. The proposal aims to achieve the objective of providing quality education in Engineering Technology to the students of Sri Lanka. Overall, the proposal aims to demonstrates the requirement of Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa to convert to a fully-fledged University fulfilling national policy of producing more graduates with high employable skills and provide quality education in Engineering Technology to the students of Sri Lanka.
2 | P a g e Contents Chapter 1.................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 3 1.2 Background ............................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Converting ITUM to a University........................................................................................... 4 1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Proposed University..................................................................... 5 Chapter 2.................................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Strengths of ITUM .................................................................................................................. 6 2.2 Opportunities that will open up upon the Conversion............................................................. 7 2.3 The Strategy ............................................................................................................................ 8 Chapter 3.................................................................................................................. 10 3.1 Maximizing the use of existing facilities: An advantage in the conversion of ITUM to a university..................................................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 4.................................................................................................................. 13 Proposal for establishing a new University............................................................................. 13 4.1 Name and Style.................................................................................................................. 13 4.2 Effective Dates .................................................................................................................. 13 4.3 Location of the proposed University ................................................................................. 13 4.4 Faculties and Departments of the proposed University..................................................... 13 4.5 Proposed academic programs............................................................................................ 14 4.6 Forecasted student enrolment statistics ............................................................................. 14 4.7 Fund allocation for the transformation .............................................................................. 14 4.8 Cadre Requirement............................................................................................................ 14 4.9 Objectives to be achieved with time lines......................................................................... 15 Conclusion................................................................................................................ 15 Annex 01: Cadre requirement Annex 02: Budget Estimates
3 | P a g e Chapter 1 1.1 Introduction As the global economy continues to evolve, there has been an ever-increasing demand for employees with both technical competencies and higher-order thinking and soft skills such as analytical and design thinking, problem-solving and effective communication skills. This is mainly due to the paradigm shift in the industry requirements which have recently changed from lowskilled and low-cost manufacturing employees to high skilled technicians, technologists, engineers, and scientists. Therefore, it is vital for higher education institutes to design degree programs that cater to global demands and latest industry requirements. In addition to technical competencies, employers also seek soft skills such as resilience, confidence, and judgment, which can be acquired through degree programs. Therefore, to face strong to the stark economic situation of the country and to match the global demand, it is urgent and vital for educational institutions to provide degree programs that can adapt to the advanced requirements expected from the workforce. As the quality of a country’s workforce is directly linked to the development of the industrial sector, with the objectives addressing the ever the increasing demand for high skilled workforce and to ensure that Sri Lankan undergraduates are up- to -date and remain competitive in the global job market , the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa took initiative to expand its academic programs and research capabilities to be in par with the latest technological advancements and the changing demands of the workforce. In this context, converting the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa which is currently limited to a Diploma awarding Institution, to a university which offers degrees to produce graduates who can drive innovation, productivity, and growth locally and internationally is not only crucial but also urgent. Further, the conversion of ITUM to a university would grant the institution full university status and provide students with more opportunities to pursue higher education and obtain degrees in various fields. By becoming a university, we can enhance our research capabilities and collaborate with industry partners to produce graduates who can drive innovation, productivity, and growth in Sri Lanka and beyond. 1.2 Background The Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa relishes a long-standing reputation for delivering a benchmark technological Diploma program in the country known as the National Diploma in Technology (NDT) program over the last fifty years. The NDT Diploma program has bestowed the country qualified and committed multidisciplinary professionals who are capable of working at local as well as multinational and international companies. However, currently the NDT program and the NDT Diploma holders have been under pressure and are at a disadvantage mainly due to the establishment of technological faculties affiliated to state universities in the country. In the past, soon after completing in-plant training, more than 90 % of NDT students were able to secure an entry-level position as assistant engineers or technologists. However, with the emergence of technology faculties across the country, most of the engineering technology related companies at interviews opt for candidates with either an engineering or a
4 | P a g e technology degree. Thus, despite long-standing recognition and reputation, securing the status of the NDT program has currently become a challenge. This has resulted in narrowing down the demand for the NDT program and the employment opportunities for NDT diplomates. In this backdrop, 800 NDT diplomates who gain entrance to the NDT program through the highly competitive GCE A/L physical science stream each year are at a disadvantage over the technology degree holders who gain entrance to a Technological Faculty thorough the GCE A/L technology stream. This situation has pressurized not only the Diploma holders but also the Institution more than ever before. As the challenge the Institution currently facing is expected to aggravate in the future along with the influx of top-up degree holders affiliated to private universities in Sri Lanka, the management along with the staff of ITUM after giving a considerable thought, brought the matter to the attention of University of Moratuwa (UoM), and subsequently to the Senate of the University of Moratuwa where they resolved to grant ITUM independence to transition into a university. Along with the blessings and support of the University of Moratuwa, ITUM determined to stand independently as a university by converting the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa to a Technological University functioning under the UGC. Furthermore, the proposed university can explore the development of programs in a range of disciplines that are in high demand or currently untapped. 1.3 Converting ITUM to a University In the year 2000, ITUM was established as an Institute functioning under the University of Moratuwa under Ordinance No. 03-2000. However, despite its official recognition as an Institute, ITUM faced numerous challenges in terms of limited space for further development as it was situated in the UoM premises. This limitation hindered the institute's ability to expand its academic programs and infrastructure, and to accommodate a growing student population. As a result, ITUM had to focus on delivering technical education in a limited number of disciplines, and could not diversify its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the job market and society. To address the issue of limited space, ITUM has relocated to a spacious premises in Diyagama, Homagama. The newly constructed ITUM complex, which received a Sri Lankan government grant of Rs. 10,291 million through the Ministry of Higher Education, University Grants Commission, and the University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka, offers state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to support the academic and research pursuits of the institution's faculty and students. This strategic move expected to contribute significantly to the overall growth and development of ITUM as a leading academic institution in Sri Lanka. In recent years, ITUM has always been at the forefront of innovation in education and has made significant strides in achieving financial independence, academic excellence, and program depth. As a result, ITUM requested UoM, its parent university, to support the conversion of its diploma program to a degree program. However, UoM has conveyed its inability to accommodate another engineering degree program under its institution at this time due to current circumstances. This decision by UoM has presented ITUM with a challenge to pursue the conversion independently. Therefore, in 2022, the ITUM curriculum committee thoroughly analysed the significance of the conversion of ITUM to a university through extensive discussions with all stakeholders of the
5 | P a g e institute. This process highlighted the pressing need to convert ITUM to a university to offer a wider range of degree programs, increase institutional autonomy and enable the institution to confer degrees across diverse fields of study in the future. Currently, ITUM offers National Diploma in Technology for ten profession-oriented disciplines, namely, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical and Maritime engineering Technology, Textile and Clothing, and Polymer Technology, and Nautical studies. The NDT program is carried out in English over the course of two academic years and one year of comprehensive industry training. The conversion of ITUM to a university would grant the institution full university status and provide students with more opportunities to pursue higher education and obtain degrees in various fields. 1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Proposed University Aim: The aim of converting the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa to a fully-fledged university is to expand its academic programs and increase its autonomy in awarding degrees to meet the national policy of producing more graduates with high employability skills. The objectives of this conversion include: Objectives: ▪ To upgrade the existing National Diploma in Technology program to a fully-fledged degree program, allowing ITUM to award degrees across a wider range of disciplines in the future. ▪ To increase the number of student intake, providing more opportunities for aspiring students to pursue higher education in their preferred fields. This includes not only increasing graduate enrolment but also allowing Higher National Diploma holders to pursue degree-level education. The expanded student intake will enable the new university to cater to a larger pool of students seeking higher education. ▪ To meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in a variety of fields by creating programs that focus on skill-building and immersive, experiential learning, and address national requirements. ▪ To produce degree holders with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in both local and global job market to meet the challenges of tomorrow and creates graduates who will be in demand, particularly in overseas markets. ▪ To look at new trends, emerging technologies and fostering graduates who will thrive in today's job market and adapt to new career opportunities that may arise in the future. ▪ To produce graduates with proficiency in international English language, as well as Korean and Japanese, to cater to the needs of a diverse student population and enhance their global employability.
6 | P a g e Chapter 2 This chapter will focus on the strengths of ITUM that will enable it to successfully transition to the proposed university (here after mention as university), the opportunities that will open up for the institute with the conversion, and the strategies that will be implemented to achieve the aim of becoming a fully-fledged university. ITUM possesses numerous strengths that can be leveraged to achieve the objectives outlined in Chapter 1. In fact, ITUM's existing strengths provide a solid foundation for realizing the goals of the university. In the following section, we will explore and highlight some of these strengths. 2.1 Strengths of ITUM ▪ ITUM is already recognized as a higher education institute under the University Grants Commission under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, and operates on the ITUM ordinance No.03 of 2000. This provides ITUM a solid foundation for achieving full university status under the same authority. ▪ The institute already has established facilities, equipped with the latest and modern technology, as well as all other necessary infrastructure and facilities to support a fullyfledged university. ▪ In 2017, ITUM received approval from the Department of Management Services (DMS) for its cadre profile. Further, in 2021, the UGC and Ministry of Education recommended the augmented cadre profile projected by ITUM in par with increased student population. ▪ ITUM claims a highly qualified academic staff, with the majority holding PhD and MPhil degrees, ensuring that students receive quality education and training. Additionally, experienced administrative and supporting staff provide valuable support to students and the academic community. The institute also has a strong focus on research, which enhances the quality of education and benefits society as a whole. ▪ ITUM has already achieved financial autonomy including procurement power, which will further strengthen the institute's ability to function as a fully-fledged university. ▪ The institute has established links with professional organizations such as the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Institution of Marine Engineers, and Company of Master Mariners, which will provide mutual benefits and strengthen the institute's position as a leading higher education provider. As mentioned above, ITUM has several strengths that can be leveraged to unlock new opportunities for growth and success. Following are some of these opportunities and how the Institute can capitalize on them to reach greater heights as a fully-fledged university.
7 | P a g e 2.2 Opportunities that will open up upon the Conversion ▪ Potential for diversification - With the possibility of expanding its degree-granting authority, the university will be able to offer programs in a range of disciplines that are in high demand or currently untapped., Further, the university can also position itself to meet the needs of a rapidly changing job market and ensure that its graduates are well-equipped to succeed in a variety of fields. ▪ High demand from students – The University with its profession-oriented courses will be able to gain a high demand from students which will draw a wider range of students with diverse interests and career aspirations ▪ Increased demand from industry - By offering profession-oriented courses in a variety of disciplines, the university can produce skilful graduates who are industry- ready upon graduation. By staying attuned to industry needs and offering cutting-edge programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed, the new university can continue to be a valuable asset to society at large. ▪ Expand e-learning mode - One significant opportunity for the new university is the ability to effectively promote distance learning through adoption of e-learning. As almost all departments plan to offer courses in distant mode, the new university can leverage the power of technology to reach students who may not be able to attend classes in person. This will help expanding the institution's reach / visibility and impact on society. ▪ Tap into speedy economic reforms – The new university as a degree offering authority will have a significant opportunity to tap into the growing demand for engineering and technology employment in the wake of the country's speedy economic reforms. ▪ Skills development of academic staff - In addition to the opportunities already mentioned, the new university also has a significant opportunity for skill development of its academic staff. This will offer a valuable opportunity for the university to improve the quality of its education programs, and also to attract and retain top talent, build strong partnerships with industry leaders, and position itself as a leading institution for higher education. ▪ Unlocking the true potential of the faculty – Although ITUM is blessed to have academics who are patent holders and researchers and who have won the Presidential Award for research excellence due to the limited scope specified in the ordinance, ITUM, currently lacks the opportunity to develop postgraduate teaching and research. However, this conversion is expected to unlock the true potential of the academic staff of ITUM who possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
8 | P a g e 2.3 The Strategy In order to effectuate the conversion of the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa to a comprehensive degree offering university, it is imperative that ITUM establishes a well-defined and comprehensive strategy to ensure a seamless transition period and sustenance of the NDT program until the conclusion of the studies of the final batch. Therefore, ITUM proposes the following strategies for a smooth transition: Collaborate with UoM: The University of Moratuwa, our parent University has played a significant role in the development of our institution. The University of Moratuwa has been instrumental in providing us with the necessary guidance and support to emerge as a strong and independent institution. This valuable support will help ITUM to navigate the complex landscape of higher education and emerge as a strong, respected institution in its own right, poised to take the next step towards achieving even greater heights of success and impact. During this transition period, ITUM intends to work closely with UoM to obtain guidance and ensure that the new degree programs meet established standards and requirements. Further, ITUM plans to continue offering the NDT program until the last batch of NDT students completes their studies, to avoid disrupting their education. This collaborative effort will help to maintain the recognition and respect of the newly-formed university within the Sri Lankan education system. Establish a clear timeline: ITUM will establish a clear timeline for the transition period from the NDT program to the degree program. This should include timelines for curriculum development, program approval, and student intake. Seek accreditation: The proposed university will plan to seek accreditation from the appropriate accreditation bodies to ensure that the degree program meets national and international standards. This will also help to establish the program's reputation and attract more students. Recruit qualified faculty: Recruiting qualified faculty is essential for ITUM to establish its degree programs. Nevertheless, ITUM has some inherent strengths, including a highly qualified academic staff, experienced administrative and support staff, and a strong research focus. Therefore, they will continue to be critical as the institute works towards becoming a university. Further, in 2021, the UGC and Ministry of Education recommended the required cadre to successfully conduct the NDT program at ITUM. Currently, the approval of the recommendations outlined in Annex 01 is pending, which is paramount importance for ITUM to achieve its objective of becoming a full-fledged university. Should the proposed cadre be approved, the proposed university will be well-positioned to provide a high-quality education to its students and establish itself as a leading institution of higher learning. It is imperative that all stakeholders involved work collaboratively to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to secure approval for the recommended cadre, thereby paving the way for ITUM to achieve its vision for the future. Develop partnerships with industry: The newly-formed university plans to enhance partnerships with industry to ensure that the degree program is relevant to the current needs of the industry. This will help to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the job market and have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.
9 | P a g e Use current resources efficiently: ITUM’s commitment to providing world-class education is reflected in our existing state-of-the-art facilities and resources, which are designed to provide students with the best possible learning experience. During conversion to a university, ITUM's existing facilities will be utilized efficiently to provide high-quality education and research opportunities for students and faculty. Development of effective mechanisms to support the recognition of current diploma holders to degree level: At ITUM, we are committed to addressing the challenges faced by professionals holding diplomas, including NDT and other engineering or technology-related diploma holders, by developing effective solutions to facilitate their recognition. This will include working with industry partners and relevant authorities to create a pathway, to establish accreditation and certification processes that recognize the value and skillset of diploma-level graduates. By taking these steps, we aim to provide professionals holding diplomas with greater opportunities to advance their careers, both locally and internationally, and to ensure that the industry continues to benefit from a diverse pool of skilled professionals. In conclusion, above demonstrates the strengths of ITUM that will enable it to successfully transition to a university, the opportunities that will open up for the institute with the conversion, and the strategies that will be implemented to achieve the aim of becoming a fully-fledged university. We also highlighted how we will strategize the way we face challenges that may arise during the conversion process. By capitalizing on its strengths, leveraging the opportunities, and implementing a comprehensive conversion strategy, ITUM can establish a strong degree program that meets national and international standards and prepares graduates for success in the job market with high employability skills.
10 | P a g e Chapter 3 The conversion of the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa to a fully-fledged degree offering university presents a unique opportunity to optimize existing facilities and resources in ITUM to meet the growing demand for higher education in Sri Lanka. By maximizing the use of its existing facilities, ITUM can minimize the cost of expansion and reduce the need for new infrastructure, thereby maximizing efficiency and sustainability. This chapter aims to explore the potential advantages of utilizing existing facilities during the conversion process 3.1 Maximizing the use of existing facilities: An advantage in the conversion of ITUM to a university. Infrastructure Facilities: The Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa is located in a spacious premises of 26 acres in Diyagama, Homagama. The recently constructed ITUM complex, which received a government grant through the Ministry of Higher Education, UGC, and the University of Moratuwa, of Rs. 10,291 million, provides state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to facilitate academic and research pursuits of the institution's faculty and students. These facilities include a large central compound that houses both academic and administrative departments with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, a library, as well as an interconnected student village consisting of student hostels, canteens, an indoor sports arena, and a medical centre. The beautifully landscaped campus also features a spacious multi-functional 1400 seated hall with a staff development centre, a playground with a modern pavilion, staff quarters, a guest house, and a market complex including a Bank. The Institute also boasts of modern infrastructure, such as a comprehensive sewerage treatment facility, an Extra Low Voltage (ELV) system with a campus-wide network supporting data, WIFI, PABx, CCTV, PA systems, cable TV, and satellite receivers. The campus also has a modern electrical power network with three 1000 KVA indoor transformers and three 650 KVA modern standby generators. Additionally, there is a modern Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) facility with VRF and Chilled watersystems, and a network of modern elevators covering the whole complex. Human Resources: The Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa has a diverse and talented faculty and staff who are committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunitiesto itsstudents. The university employs over 200 academic and non-academic staff members, including senior lecturers, probationary lecturers, researchers, administrative staff, and support staff. Academic Staff: ITUM has a highly qualified and experienced academic staff, many of whom possess postgraduate qualifications including doctorates from top universities both domestically and internationally. They are responsible for student facilitating and conducting research in a variety of fields, having been recruited by Council of UoM in accordance with UGC's recruitment guidelines and having all of them completed a UGC's authorized teacher training program.
11 | P a g e Non-Academic Staff: In addition to its academic staff, ITUM also employs a dedicated team of nonacademic staff members who provide administrative and supportservicesto students, faculty, and staff. This includes staff members who work in areas such as Divisional laboratory assistance, finance, admissions, student services, IT, and facilities management. Industrial Training, Career Guidance and Post Diploma Education Centre The Industry Training and Career Guidance Unit at ITUM plays a critical role in the institute's mission to provide a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers. The unit serves as a bridge between the academic programs and the industry, facilitating internships and industry partnerships to provide students with practical experience and exposure to real-world challenges. Through this unit students have the opportunity to work with leading companies in their fields, gaining hands-on experience and developing industry-specific skills. This helps to enhance their employability and career prospects after graduation. The unit also provides career guidance and counselling services to students, helping them to make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures. In addition to providing students with practical training and career guidance, the Career Guidance Unit also plays a crucial role in building relationships between the institute and the industry. By partnering with companies and organizations, the unit helps to identify emerging industry needs and trends, which in turn informs the institute's curriculum development and research programs. Overall, the Industry Training and Career Guidance Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring that the institute's diplomates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the job market and contribute to the growth and development of the industries they serve. Research Unit The research unit at ITUM plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and innovation in various fields. Research is essential in the academic world as it is the driving force behind new discoveries, technologies, and methods. It is also critical for economic and social development as it can lead to the creation of new industries, products, and services. The research unit at ITUM is particularly important because it focuses on applied research that is relevant to the needs of industry and society. It comprises of a team of qualified and experienced researchers who are experts in their respective fields. They work on a wide range of research projects that cover areas such as engineering, information technology, education, mathematics and humanities. The research unit also provides opportunities for students to engage in research activities, which is essential for their development and for the advancement of knowledge. By participating in research projects, students gain valuable experience in conducting research, developing new technologies, and solving real-world problems.
12 | P a g e English Language Teaching Unit With the globalization of businesses and industries, being proficient in multiple languages has become a vital skill for students who want to succeed locally and globally. English is the primary language used in international business and academic settings. With English language instruction provided by the ITUM Language Unit with its innovative language teaching formats, students can develop the proficiency needed to communicate fluently. Further, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) secures a significant number of technology-related positions each year from Japan and Korea, it is crucial for us to recognize the importance of providing job-ready graduates who can meet the demands of these positions. Thus, to further enhance the employability of our students, we have implemented a language proficiency preparation program to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in language proficiency tests. This includes courses which prepares students for IELTS, Korean and Japanese language proficiency examinations. These courses are especially developed for students who plan to work in industries that are based on these countries or have strong ties with these countries. Quality Assurance Unit The Quality Assurance unit at ITUM is established according to the guidelines of the University Grants Commission and it is responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of education, research, and administrative functions of the institution. It ensures that the programs offered by the institute meet the requirements of the UGC and that the institution adheres to the guidelines and policies set by the UGC. The Quality Assurance unit also plays a vital role in monitoring the quality of teaching and learning at ITUM. It ensures that the teaching staff have the necessary qualifications and experience to teach the courses offered by the institution. It also monitors the delivery of lectures, the quality of course materials, and the performance of students. By doing so, the quality control unit helps to ensure that the learning outcomes of the programs meet the required standards. Furthermore, the Quality Assurance unit plays a crucial role in ensuring that administrative functions of the institute are carried out efficiently and effectively. It monitors the management and utilization of financial resources, infrastructure development, and maintenance, and ensures that the institution follows the policies and procedures set by the UGC and the government. The Maritime courses are separately monitored and audited under ISO 9001:2015 quality management system as per International regulatory requirements. ITUM Financial Background: Operating as a separate financial entity with its own vote head and budget allocation for both recurring and capital expenditures, managed by ITUM financial team, is a significant benefit for the conversion of ITUM into a university. This financial autonomy providesthe institution with the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed and make decisions based on their priorities and allows for greater transparency and accountability in financial management, which is essential for building trust with stakeholders and attracting investment.
13 | P a g e Chapter 4 Proposal for establishing a new University 4.1 Name and Style University of Technology, Sri Lanka (UTSL) 4.2 Effective Dates It is expected to gain the University status by 1st of January 2024. It is expected to take the first intake of students based on results of the GCE A/L examination 2023. 4.3 Location of the proposed University The proposed location for the university is the current premises of ITUM which is in Diyagama, Homagama. 4.4 Faculties and Departments of the proposed University We intend to use the existing facilities to launch our first two faculties of the newly-formed university. The intended two faculties are Engineering Technology and Integrated Studies. The Faculty of Engineering Technology The existing Academic Divisions will be upgraded to Academic Departments as listed below. ▪ Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering Technology ▪ Department of Civil Engineering Technology ▪ Department of Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering Technology ▪ Department of Maritime Studies ▪ Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology ▪ Department of Textile and Clothing Technology The Post Diploma Education section of the existing Industrial Training, Career Guidance and Post Diploma Education Centre will be separated and upgraded to, ▪ Department of Graduate Studies In future, the following new Departments will be formed under the Faculty of Engineering Technology. ▪ Department of Agriculture Engineering Technology ▪ Department of Aeronautical Engineering Technology The Faculty of Integrated Studies The existing Academic Divisions will be upgraded to Academic Departments as listed below. ▪ Department of Information Technology ▪ Department of Interdisciplinary Studies The existing English Language Teaching Unit will be upgraded to, ▪ Department of Language Studies Following new Departments will be formed under the Faculty of Integrated Studies. ▪ Department of Sports Science and Technology ▪ Department of Mathematics and Statistics
14 | P a g e 4.5 Proposed academic programs The student intake will be from GCE Advanced Level Physical Science Stream Proposed academic programs are; ▪ BSc. in Engineering Technology ▪ BSc. in Information Technology In future we intend to offer; ▪ BSc. in Sports Science and Technology ▪ BSc. in Mathematics and Statistics Further, we intend to offer post graduate programs as well. 4.6 Forecasted student enrolment statistics 800 students in the initial stage Chemical Engineering Technology 50 Civil Engineering Technology 200 Electrical Engineering Technology 100 Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering Technology 100 Marine Engineering Technology 20 Mechanical Engineering Technology 100 Nautical Studies and Technology 20 Polymer Engineering Technology 50 Textile and Clothing Technology 60 Information Technology 100 This is expected to be increased to 1000 in near future. 4.7 Fund allocation for the transformation The current corporate plan (for the year 2021 to 2025) which was submitted to the Treasury through UGC identifies the budgetary requirement of the institute of Technology University of Moratuwa. Upon approval of the budgetary plan from 2023 onwards will enable ITUM to achieve a seamless transition to a fully-fledged university. Further, projected financial requirement till the year 2025 is attached as Annex 02. 4.8 Cadre Requirement Projected cadre profile of ITUM of 2021 recommended by UGC and Ministry of Education against the approved cadre is attached (Annex 01). The proposed University will be established upon the approval by the Department of Management Services based on the recommended cadre profile by the UGC and the Ministry of Education with an internal reshuffle. In addition, the following administrative positions has to be provided in order to establish the proposed university under the University Act No 16 of 1978 . ▪ Vice Chancellor ▪ Registrar ▪ Librarian ▪ Bursar ▪ Two Senior Assistant Registrars
15 | P a g e 4.9 Objectives to be achieved with time lines It is expected to gain the University status by 1st of January 2024. The first intake of students will be taken based on results of the GCE A/L examination 2023. Proposed curriculum for Degree will be submitted to UGC for necessary approval upon the University status being granted. Conclusion In conclusion, the conversion of the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa to a fullfledged state university is a timely and necessary move to meet the changing demands of the workforce and provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. Currently, the National Diploma in Technology program offered by ITUM has produced qualified and committed multidisciplinary professionals to the betterment of the country and befitting global demand. However, with the industry preference for candidates to hold a degree in Engineering or Technology for most engineering and technology related occupations for entrylevel positions, NDT students face a competitive disadvantage in the current job market. The conversion to a university would address this issue and offer increased academic programs, diverse student body, and interdisciplinary research opportunities. Furthermore, it would enhance the international reputation of the proposed university, making it more attractive to international students, faculty, and research partners, and provide increased funding opportunities. Therefore, it is necessary to support ITUM's independence and transition into a university to ensure that it can adapt to the advanced requirements expected from the workforce and continue to produce highly skilled professionals to meet the global demand. Further, it can be concluded that ITUM currently offers a Senate-accredited diploma program operating under the supervision of UoM and UGC. Admissions are based on UGC's advanced level z-score criteria. The institution has already established a strong foundation through its current diploma program, infrastructure, and human resources. The institution has an already approved cadre, and only needs to enhance it to university level. ITUM receives a separate financial allocation from the treasury each year, and converting it to a university only requires enhancing the current financial allocation to suit the university. More importantly, this conversion aligns with the government's policy of offering more degrees to Sri Lankan students. Following the submission of this concept paper, a committee will be established in consultation with University grants commission and University of Moratuwa to examine the proposal and provide recommendations. While we await their recommendations, the Institute will continue to offer its diploma program, ensuring that current and upcoming student batches receive the highest quality education. With the proposed conversion, we anticipate that the proposed university will be able to enrol its first-degree batch in January 2024, marking a significant milestone in the institution's growth and development. We are confident that this transformation will create new opportunities for Sri Lankan students and establish the newly-formed University as a leading academic institution in the country.
16 | P a g e Committee on proposal study and preparation on converting ITUM to a new University ➢ Major General (Retired) S. K. Thirunavukarasu, - Advisor Director, ITUM ➢ Mr. G. G. Jayarathne, - Chairperson Senior Lecturer and member of Board of Management, ITUM ➢ Mr. N.D. Kuruppuarachchi, - Member Deputy Registrar, ITUM ➢ Dr. (Mrs.) M.C.W. Somarathne, - Member Senior Lecturer and Head of Industrial Training, Career Guidance, and Post Diploma Education Centre, ITUM ➢ Dr. (Mrs.) S. C. Mathugama, - Member Senior Lecturer and Head of Quality Assurance Unit, ITUM ➢ Dr. (Mrs.) P. B.T. K. Premarathne, - Member Senior Lecturer and Head of the Language Unit, ITUM ➢ Dr. (Mrs.) W.P.S.K.Perera, - Convener Senior Lecturer and Head of the Research Unit, ITUM The Curriculum Revision Committee of ITUM was also actively involved in the decision-making process and played a critical role in shaping the concept proposal. They will continue to be key position holders, ensuring that the establishment of the University of Technology, Sri Lanka is executed smoothly and efficiently. The Curriculum Revision Committee, ITUM: Mr. G. G. Jayarathne, Member of Board of Management, ITUM - Chairperson Mrs. M.M.P.D. Samarasekara, Former Director, ITUM - Advisor Dr. (Mrs.) M.C.W. Somarathne, Head of Industrial Training, Career Guidance, and Post Diploma Education Centre - Member Dr. (Mrs.) S.C. Mathugama, Head of Quality Assurance Unit - Member Dr. (Mrs.) K. Galappaththi, Head of Division of Information Technology - Member Mrs. N.V. Kularathna, Head of Division of Maritime studies - Member Dr. (Mrs.) G.K. Jayathunga, Head of Division of Polymer and Chemical Engineering Technology - Member Dr. (Mrs.) D.D.G.A.D.S. Saparamadu, Head of Division of Interdisciplinary Studies - Member Dr. P. D. C. Kumara, Head of Division of Mechanical Engineering Technology - Member Mr. Manjula Wickramathilaka, Head of Division of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology - Member Mr. W.L.S. Maduranga, Head of Division of Civil Engineering Technology - Member Dr (Mrs) W.P.S.K. Perera, Head of Textile and Clothing Technology - Convener
17 | P a g e Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa Telephone: 011-212-4000 Email: [email protected] Web Link: http://itum.mrt.ac.lk/