Charging course fee from students of NDES 2023 batch
We, National Diploma in Engineering Sciences and Special Engineering Apprentices Alumni Association have always worked together with the management of IET and NAITA for the betterment of IET. Our contribution towards upgrading the syllabus and process of converting NDES to degree program are some of the examples where we worked together with IET management and NAITA. Repairing 11 lathe machines (7 Major repairs and 4 minor repairs) that were not in operating condition at IET workshop bearing the cost of Rs 400,000 was one of the most recent activities carried out by NDES Alumni. We appreciate the support we got from IET management and NAITA in the past.
However, it is disturbing to understand that a course fee of Rs 225,000 will be charged from the students of NDES 2023 batch. We NDES Alumni Association strongly believe that the decision to charge a course fee from students will be a deadly blow to the free education system in Sri Lanka as well as to future of the NDES program. Students may lose interest in NDES as there are two similar courses (NDT & HNDE) available free of charge resulting in low student intake hence NAITA not being able to collect expected amount of funds. Most of NDES diplomates work overseas or in foreign companies within Sri Lanka and earn considerable amount of foreign exchange. Therefore, the money spent on NDES program should be looked at as an investment rather than cost.
You are aware of the process of converting NDES to degree program as a main stakeholder of the process. Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education – Skill Development and Vocational Education is working very hard for converting NDES together with NDT & HNDE to a degree programs that comply with the Sydney accord. We hope that minister will submit the cabinet paper very soon. The decision to charge a course fee from the NDES students may badly affect the process of converting NDES to degree program.
Hence we kindly request you to revise the decision of charging a course fee from the NDES students.
Thanking You,
Wenuja Wimaladasa,
Secretary,
National Diploma in Engineering Sciences and Special Engineering Apprentices Alumni Association
