“I am Kumarakulasingam Sirancheethan, would like to share my experience at Ocean University of Sri Lanka as one of the students of Diploma in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management at Regional Centre, Jaffna. I believe that this course is very much fruitful for the interested beneficiaries in the sector and also to the students who have not received the undergraduate opportunities. This course has designed as one year of University based study and six months of industrial training.

This course gives equal weight for developing both written and practical knowledge and skills. Initial one year study period is not only about bookish studies; it includes laboratory based practical sessions, field visits to related places and institutions and field studies which provide the opportunity to gather practical experience and exposure technically and managerial ways. Simultaneously, the trainees are encouraged to develop our personal and professional skills and several platforms are created to showcase our talents. At the end of this course, chances of getting jobs in both the Governmental, non-governmental and private sectors are very much promising, even after the On Job Training (OJT).

Many students, studied here are working in both governmental and private institutions/ companies all over the island and I personally feel happy to say that I am working as an aquaculture extension officer in National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Regional office for Mannar in Vavuniya Kachcheri where the knowledge and skills I gained during the stay at Ocean University of Sri Lanka are supporting me on my works and duties.”