Nawaloka Holdings, established in 1945, is a multifaceted conglomerate with a legacy spanning several decades. The group has expanded its presence across diverse sectors and ventured into education through the Nawaloka College of Higher Studies. The Group remains a dynamic and influential force, leaving a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape.
In this interview, Dr Jayantha Dharmadasa, Chairman of Nawaloka Holdings and Nawaloka College of Higher Studies, and Victor Ramanan, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive provide insights into the vision of Nawaloka College of Higher Studies.
Dr Jayantha Dharmadasa, Chairman
On the beginnings of Nawaloka Holdings
The group was established by my father around 1945. It all began with a small place in a humble location. Back then, he extended his hospitality to the bullock carts that frequented the area, offering them a place to stop and enjoy their morning tea and breakfast. This marked the inception of our journey.
As time progressed, we evolved, eventually reaching the milestone of a 400-bed hospital. Along the way, we diversified into various sectors, including travel services and timber manufacturing, producing items such as polyester bags for commodities like wheat, paddy, and sugar.
In recent years, a noteworthy addition to our portfolio has been the Nawaloka College, which we have been operating for the past nine years.
Introduction of the Nawaloka College of Higher Studies (NCHS)
Healthcare and education are closely intertwined. This vision took shape after my father’s passing. We established the Nawaloka College of Higher Studies to not only educate young individuals but also to address the challenge of students going abroad for their studies.
Many of these students lacked the financial means to study abroad, which prompted the idea of creating opportunities for students to pursue higher education while staying close to their families.
Our commitment to this cause has led to significant expansion. Over the years, a considerable number of our students have pursued their studies in destinations like Australia, Malaysia, and the US after their initial years with us. This track record in education mirrors the success we have achieved in healthcare, further motivating us to invest in the field.
Victor Ramanan, Deputy Chairman/CEO
Long-term Vision for Nawaloka College of Higher Studies: Nine years ago, we launched Nawaloka College of Higher Studies to address a critical gap in our group by introducing an education-focused component. Our initial foray involved an Australian programme, and over time, we’ve broadened our educational offerings to meet diverse needs. Our primary goal was to create a centre for students seeking quality education within Sri Lanka or abroad.
This vision was spurred by the pressing issue of limited government university placements in Sri Lanka, with approximately 160,000 A-level students competing for a fraction of available spots. Consequently, we’ve played a pivotal role in providing affordable education for eligible students, empowering them to pursue their chosen career paths with flexibility.
Academic Programmes and the Unique Advantage for Students:
At Nawaloka College of Higher Studies, we’ve formed strategic partnerships with institutions in four countries: Australia, England, Malaysia, and the United States. While our collaborations span these regions, our primary emphasis lies in nurturing affiliations with American universities.
The American education sector is gaining momentum among Sri Lankan students, thanks to its expanding economy and enticing post-degree work programmes. We’ve made significant strides in establishing connections across the United States.
Notably, our strong presence in California sees us partnering with eight to ten prestigious universities, and we’ve extended our reach from Atlanta to destinations including Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, Washington, and New York.
Our American programmes offer an array of scholarship opportunities, including the coveted President’s scholarships, private fund scholarships, and those specifically designed for past students. Currently, our USA programme boasts an enrollment of approximately 100 to 150 students.
US Degree Programme:
Our US degree programme follows a concise two plus two model, allowing students to spend two years at our institution and either continue their studies abroad for two years or complete approximately 45 credits, equivalent to one and a half years, before finalizing the remaining two and a half years in the United States.
Our programme encompasses various study areas, including engineering, management, IT, health sciences, robotics, and electronics. During the initial one-and-a-half to two years, students engage in general education, granting them the flexibility to explore different academic paths. Notably, our students, primarily driven by Sri Lankan preferences, often gravitate towards IT, engineering, science or business.
The distinctive feature of the American programme is its flexibility, allowing students to choose their specific academic track after completing approximately one to one and a half years of general studies. This is in contrast to systems in other countries where a specific field must be chosen from the start, making a definitive choice at the outset of studies.
On the Distinctive Advantage for Students:
We provide a distinctive service that sets us apart. When a student embarks on their educational journey with us, it’s common for them to aspire to pursue further studies in a foreign country. In response, we offer comprehensive, in-house visa processing support, overseen by a team of experienced professionals.
This support includes guidance on preparing for visa interviews and ensuring all the necessary credentials are meticulously organized. Our goal is to equip students with the confidence they need to face these interviews successfully and minimize the risk of visa refusals. This holistic approach empowers them to secure their visas and pursue their international education without unnecessary obstacles.
On Academic Excellence:
Our core focus is quality, driven by the belief that parents’ investments in their children’s education should yield a high-quality learning experience. This commitment underpins our educational approach. Our stringent standards for educators apply uniformly to Australian and American programmes, with all lecturers undergoing rigorous vetting processes conducted by programme providers.
Our Dean of Studies, an Australian professional with rich experience in Sri Lankan education, leads an experienced academic team, reflecting our dedication to delivering quality education. While our students excel, their success is not solely attributed to Nawaloka College of Higher Studies but also the robust Sri Lankan education system, resulting in shared high standards for student achievement.