South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) introduced extension courses such as Diploma in English, Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Journalism, Professional Diploma in Counseling, Higher Diploma in Accountancy & Financial Management, Certificate in English, Diploma in Web Designing, Certificate in Computer Application etc. in the year 2000. The, the External Degree programmes namely B.A, BBA and B.Com were introduced in 2004.
At the beginning two Directors were appointed to administrate Center for Extension Studies (CES) and External Degree Program (EDP). But, According to the UGC circular no: 932, SEUSL was amalgamated these two divisions into one center for conducting External Degrees and Extension Courses. The Center for External Degrees and Professional Learning (CEDPL) was established in 2012 according to the 153rd University Council decision in order to conduct both External Degrees and Professional Courses.
The CEDPL was established on 10th July 2012 with the objective of starting degrees and professional courses in accordance with the requirements of job markets. The CEDPL is managed by a Management Committee and is manned by a part time Director and three part time Coordinators.
All programs are designed, planned and implemented through board of study which consists of senior academic member appointed by the faculty board, Director/CEDPL, 3 Coordinators, three internal academic members nominated by the Faculty, two external members nominated by the faculty and academic coordinators of degree/diploma programs offered.
The Management Committee is the academic and executive body of the center and include Vice Chancellor of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, nominee from the UGC, two members appointed by the council from among the UGC appointed members, Deans of faculties (Deans of participating faculties that offer external, distance and extension education programs), chairperson of board of study, Registrar of SEUSL, Bursar of SEUSL, Director of CEDPL, SAR/ CEDPL and SAB/CEDPL.
According to the UGC Circular No: 932, we sent three proposals for External Degree programs for B.A, BBA and B.Com programs to get approval from UGC, and we have received the review report of B.A, BBA and B.Com progrmas from UGC with evaluation result.
At present, we have prepred an pplication for conducting External Degrees and Extension courses: Four Degree programs namely; B.Sc (General) - Faculty of Applied Sciences, B.A in Islamic Banking and Finance - Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Languages, B.Sc in MIT- Management Information Technology - Faculty of Management and Commerce, and BA in Tourism - Faculty of Arts & Culture, and the professional courses namely; Professional Diploma in Counseling, Diploma in English, Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Journalism, Higher Diploma in Accountancy & Financial Management (HDAFM), Certificate in English and Certificate in Computer Application.
We have received the grant a sum of SLRs. 15 Million under EDP/UDG/HETC project. As per the Guidelines The activity plan covers four Major components such as Improving Governance and Management, Improve Quality and Relevance, Enhance Learning Resources & Learner Support Services and Promote Collaboration with State & Non-state Training Institutions.
Based on the above rant the CEDPL has done the infrastrucural development, offered training programs and workshop for the academic and administrative staff. Further the orientation program for the external degree students were also conducted islandwide by the CEDPL. And also we appointed 3 consultants for B.A, BBA and B.Com in order to revise and develop the existing curriculum. In addition to this, the Open Distance Learning (ODL) system also was established with consultancy.