COLOMBO : The Korean Embassy and the National Institute of Education (NIE) hosted the completion ceremony of the online capacity-building programme of the Korean language for the second time at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo on Friday, December 23.
This ceremony was held in honour and appreciation of the fifty-five Sri Lankan teachers who completed the online capacity-building programme for the Korean language. High-level dignitaries Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha and the Director General of the National Institute of Education Dr. Sunil Nawarathna were present at the event to commend the Sri Lankan teachers.
Welcoming the guests and academia, the Director General of the National Institute of Education Dr. Sunil Nawarathna appreciated the Korean Embassy for its continuous support and endorsement of timely initiatives to expand Korean language education in Sri Lanka. He stated, “This programme was initiated in July 2020 and has now completed its second year. Last year under this programme, fifty-eight teachers received training to educate advanced level students in the Korean language. In 2022, fifty-five teachers completed this programme with great success. As the Education Minister once said, the Korean language is a passport to employability. Currently, more than 25,000 Sri Lankans are employed in Korea. I am sure the Korean language will be useful in enhancing future employability for Sri Lankans.” Further, He elaborated on ways this programme would be helpful to facilitate the decision to incorporate the Korean language as a foreign language in advanced-level classes.
Korean Envoy Santhush delivering his congratulatory remarks to the teachers, commended their consistent efforts and determination to surpass the difficulties this year. “In celebration of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka this year, the Korean Embassy has made numerous efforts to consolidate bilateral ties especially in cultural and educational cooperation. In 2023, the Korean language will be introduced as a university entrance examination that will be another opportunity to bridge our two countries closer together. I congratulate all the Korean language teachers who have completed the online capacity-building programme! I appreciate your hard work and commitment to complete the online capacity-building programme amid many challenges like the limited supply of necessary infrastructure. Today, your dedication and hard work have culminated in producing wonderful results. Congratulations to all teachers who are graduating from this program today. I am confident that this programme helped develop your Korean language skills. I hope you contribute to a better world and a brighter future for Sri Lanka.”
Education Minister Hon. Susil Premajayantha stated that Korea-Sri Lanka ties have expanded steadily in numerous areas like labour, trade, renewable energy and education cooperation. He emphasised the support and assistance from Korea that have played a key role in developing educational and vocational training in Sri Lanka. “In the era of the 4th industrial revolution, such capacity-building programmes for educators can pave the way for Sri Lanka to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Minister stated.
The teachers were awarded with certificates and tokens of appreciation followed by a luncheon organised by the Korean Embassy for the Sri Lankan educators.
