The Healthcare graduates had followed programmes in nursing, physiotherapy, bio-medical science, health administration etc., comprising of over 1300 International nurses, 160 Royal nurses, over 200 International students and 500+ nursing graduates, the highest number recorded in Sri Lanka.
The event showcased a significant achievement where 384 students graduated with Bachelors in Nursing Science from the Open University of Malaysia (OUM) and 161 students who graduated with Bachelor (Hons) in Nursing Science from the Coventry University in UK.
Comprising of Maldivian and Sri Lankan students other graduates included students who had obtained Master of Nursing (OUM), Master of Advancing Physiotherapy Practice, Executive Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (AeU), Master of Business Administration, Bachelor (Hons) of Education (OUM), Bachelor (Hons) of Nursing Sciences (OUM), Diploma in General Nursing and Foundation programmes.
Commenting on the graduation, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe (MBBS, MSc, MD (Medical Administration), Funder and CEO of IIHS, stated,
“We are elated that we have been able to contribute much needed qualified nursing professionals to strengthen the healthcare sector of our country.
At IIHS we strongly believe in converting dreams into realistic goals and propelled by that mission, we are committed to further develop the skillset of Sri Lankan public sector nursing professionals through internationally recognized Bachelor’s programmes.
Our core intention is to provide programmes that are affordable, linked with work, research and technology so that IIHS can support Sri Lanka’s growth as a South Asian educational hub for nursing qualifications.”
The programme has thus far successfully supported and strengthened the Sri Lankan Healthcare sector, with over 1350 nursing graduates passing out and entering the healthcare industry both local and overseas.
The courses conducted at IIHS have enabled local nursing professionals to gain internationally recognised qualifications, increasing opportunities of foreign employment and exposure.
The event was held in two sessions with Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri as Chief Guest of Session one and Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva as Chief Guest of Session Two.
Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, President of the Public Service United Nurses Union and Chancellor of the University of Colombo was the Guest of Honour at the 2nd session.
The event was further attended by a host of dignitaries, industry professionals and family members and friends of the graduates.
Passionately committed to helping nursing professionals build their career pathways, IIHS further supports them through English competency programmes which will help them hone in and improve on their language skills thereby granting them better access to international careers.
Thereafter IIHS will work with Institutes such as NHS-UK which are located overseas to obtain and coordinate employment opportunities for the students.
This will help to drive the national government initiative of bringing in more foreign currency to support the national economy.
Furthermore, IIHS will facilitate bank loans and payment schemes to provide financial support to the students to obtain these international nursing education and qualifications with assurance of local and international job opportunities thereby encouraging them to overcome economic challenges by increasing accessibility and affordability.