තත්ත්ව සහතික කවුන්සලය

Overview

The Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of Sri Lanka is the national body responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of higher education in the country. Operating under the University Grants Commission (UGC), the QAC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Sri Lankan universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) maintain high academic standards and meet national and international benchmarks. Its functions encompass the validation of academic programs, conducting institutional and subject reviews, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the higher education sector.

History and Legal Framework

Established in August 2005, the QAC was created to address the growing need for a structured quality assurance mechanism in Sri Lanka's higher education system. According to the National Policy Framework on Higher Education 2009, the QAC was envisioned as an independent body, operating under the President of Sri Lanka, to oversee quality assurance and accreditation across all areas of higher education and technical and vocational education in the country. Initially, the QAC functioned as a division within the UGC, but it has since evolved into a standalone entity with a dedicated mandate to enhance the quality of higher education.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

Mission: To ensure the maintenance and enhancement of quality in higher education in Sri Lanka through effective quality assurance and accreditation processes.

Vision: To establish a robust quality assurance system that fosters excellence in higher education and aligns with international standards.

Objectives:

• To validate academic programs and ensure they meet established quality standards.
• To conduct institutional and subject reviews to assess and enhance the quality of education.
• To develop and implement quality assurance frameworks and guidelines for HEIs.
• To promote a culture of continuous improvement and self-assessment within institutions.
• To facilitate the recognition of Sri Lankan qualifications both nationally and internationally.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The QAC operates under the University Grants Commission (UGC), which is the apex body of the university system in Sri Lanka, established under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. The UGC is responsible for planning and coordinating university education, allocating funds to HEIs, maintaining academic standards, and regulating the administration of HEIs. Within this framework, the QAC functions as a specialized body focusing on quality assurance and accreditation. It is governed by a board comprising representatives from the UGC, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD), and other stakeholders in the higher education sector. The council operates independently in its decision-making processes, ensuring impartiality and transparency in its operations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The QAC's primary role in higher education is to oversee the accreditation and quality evaluation processes for Sri Lankan universities and HEIs. Its key functions include:

• Program Validation: Reviewing and approving academic programs to ensure they meet national and international quality standards.
• Institutional Reviews: Conducting comprehensive evaluations of institutions to assess their overall quality and effectiveness.
• Subject Reviews: Assessing specific academic disciplines to ensure they align with established benchmarks and best practices.
• Development of Quality Assurance Frameworks: Creating guidelines and standards to support institutions in implementing effective quality assurance practices.
• Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to institutional staff to enhance their understanding and implementation of quality assurance processes.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The QAC is actively engaged in international cooperation to align Sri Lanka's quality assurance practices with global standards. It is a member of several international networks and organizations, including:

• Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN): An organization that promotes quality assurance in higher education across the Asia-Pacific region.
• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE): A global network of quality assurance agencies in higher education.
• Asia-Pacific Quality Assurance Agencies (APQAA): A network that facilitates the exchange of information and collaboration among quality assurance agencies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Through these memberships, the QAC participates in international conferences, workshops, and collaborative initiatives, contributing to the enhancement of quality assurance practices in Sri Lanka and the broader region.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The QAC's initiatives have a significant impact on the quality of higher education in Sri Lanka. By implementing rigorous accreditation and quality evaluation processes, the council ensures that academic programs and institutions maintain high standards, which in turn enhances the employability of graduates and the reputation of Sri Lankan higher education globally. Looking forward, the QAC aims to:

• Expand its scope to include private higher education institutions.
• Strengthen its collaboration with international quality assurance agencies.
• Develop and implement a national qualifications framework to facilitate the recognition of qualifications.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and self-assessment within institutions.

These efforts are expected to further elevate the quality and global competitiveness of Sri Lankan higher education.

Summary

The Quality Assurance Council of Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in the country. Operating under the University Grants Commission, the QAC is responsible for validating academic programs, conducting institutional and subject reviews, and developing quality assurance frameworks. Through its initiatives and international collaborations, the QAC contributes to the continuous improvement of higher education in Sri Lanka, ensuring that institutions meet national and international standards and that graduates are well-prepared for the global workforce.

FAQs

1. What is the Quality Assurance Council (QAC)?
   The QAC is the national agency responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of higher education in Sri Lanka. It operates under the University Grants Commission and plays a pivotal role in ensuring that universities and higher education institutions maintain high academic standards.
2. When was the QAC established?
   The QAC was established in August 2005 to address the need for a structured quality assurance mechanism in Sri Lanka's higher education system.
3. What are the main functions of the QAC?
   The QAC's main functions include validating academic programs, conducting institutional and subject reviews, developing quality assurance frameworks, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within higher education institutions.
4. Is the QAC involved in international collaborations?
   Yes, the QAC is a member of several international networks and organizations, including the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), facilitating global cooperation in quality assurance practices.
5. How does the QAC impact higher education in Sri Lanka?
   The QAC ensures that academic programs and institutions meet national and international quality standards, enhancing the employability of graduates and the global reputation of Sri Lankan higher education.

Organization Name

තත්ත්ව සහතික කවුන්සලය

Quality Assurance Council

Acronym

QAC

Year of Establishment

2005

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

No. 94/10, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha
Colombo
07 Colombo Sri Lanka

Phone

+94 (11) 212 3507

Fax

+94 (11) 269 3054

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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