Transforming healthcare education in Sri Lanka, Asiri Academy of Health Sciences (AAHS) and ESOFT Metro Campus have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce internationally recognized programs in the areas of Nursing and Health Administration affiliated to the London Metropolitan University (UK) for students in Sri Lanka and the region.

AAHS is part of Asiri Health, one of Sri Lanka’s leading chain of private hospitals and diagnostic facilities. The Academy was launched to provide youth with access to internationally recognized healthcare qualifications that is affordable.

The MoU was signed recently, by Dr. Manjula Karunaratne, Group CEO, Asiri Hospital, and Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman/Managing Director, ESOFT Metro Campus. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Professor Gary Davies, Deputy Vice Chancellor, London Metropolitan University, Tijs Broeke, Chair of the Board, London Metropolitan University, and Associate Professor Wendy Bloisi London Metropolitan University.

In attendance representing Asiri Academy of Health Sciences, Director Nadeeka Jayasinghe, and representing Asiri Health were Nihal Ratnayake, Director Operations, Asiri Central Hospital, Dr. Mahesh Kandambi, Director Operations, Asiri Surgical Hospital/Asiri Medical Hospital and Southern Cluster, Hasanthi De Saram. Director HR, Rochelle De Silva, Director Marketing.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Manjula Karunaratne said, “The partnership represents a significant leap forward in healthcare education in Sri Lanka. Combining ESOFT's educational expertise with Asiri Health's extensive clinical facilities, we are creating unparalleled opportunities for students and healthcare professionals."

Creating a new era in healthcare education, the partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Sri Lanka and overseas, offering students a unique blend of international education and practical experience in one of the country's leading healthcare facilities.

Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, CEO of ESOFT Metro Campus, added, "The collaboration with Asiri Academy enables us to offer world-class education from the London Metropolitan University right here in Sri Lanka, preparing students for local and global healthcare challenges and enhances opportunities in career pathways."

The collaboration will offer two key programs from UK’s London Metropolitan University. These include the Nursing Top-Up Degree, a 1-year program designed to enable government and private sector nurses to obtain an international qualification, enhancing their career prospects locally and overseas. The Nursing Top-Up Degree could provide existing nurses opportunities for promotions and career advancement. Also on offer is the 3-year nursing honours degree, creating a pathway for freshers to enter the nursing field.

In addition, the MBA in Health Administration is in the last stages of approval and will cater to healthcare management professionals, including doctors and nurses, who seek to enhance their administrative skills and knowledge in healthcare business management. The MBA may enable them to advance careers in hospital administration and improve their effectiveness in management roles.

Overall, these programs aim to elevate the standards of healthcare education in Sri Lanka, providing students with the necessary qualifications and experience to thrive in their respective fields.

Image Caption - Dignitaries present for the MoU between Asiri Academy of Health Sciences and ESOFT Metro Campus