Evolution
This University has offered the undergraduate degree in Public Administration since the academic year 1959/1960 (through first by the then Department of Economics, later by the Department of Public and Business Administration, and finally by the Department of Management Studies). It received due an independent recognition with the establishment of this Department of Public Administra
tion in 1980. The Department then took over the responsibility for the study programme leading to the B.Sc. Public Administration (Special) Degree, which was renamed as the B.Sc. Commencing in 2001/2002, it has been offered as the B.Sc. Public Management (Special) Degree. The Department is proud to be the only such academic unit within the national university system offering a degree in Public Management. Programme Objectives
The B.Sc. Public Management (Special) Degree Programme has its roots in the B.Sc. Public Administration (Special) Degree, which the Department conducted earlier. That had the distinguishing element of revolving around the principal components of the field of public policy & administration; development administration, public sector economics, constitutional and administrative law, international relations, local government and rural development. An interdisciplinary approach was, however, present through courses in management studies including subjects such as management process, human resource management, organizational behaviour and strategic management as well as through a host of other courses in the fields of accounting and finance, economics, mathematics, computing and information systems. Recent changes have made it possible for students to specialize in some areas so as to be able to enhance their own marketability. The programme attempts to integrate management and administration theories with the realities of policy formulation and implementation, and is structured to provide a foundation that is intensive, wide in scope and multidisciplinary in nature. It is aimed at developing students’ knowledge and managerial skills required in both public and private sector organizations. Thus, this programme is designed to equip students with the skills needed to apply this managerial knowledge to real world decision-making in the capacity of professional managers and administrators in both public and private sector institutions. Lectures and tutorial/practical sessions are used as the principal means of instruction. Workshops, seminars, guest lectures, etc. are used as supplementary tools. Course-work assignments and field/project work are used to help the student to develop an appreciation for the application of knowledge to real world situations. Employment Opportunities and Professional Links
The Department provides opportunities for practical experience in public and private sector organizations. Members of the Department serve as lecturers in other universities and institutions. They also have considerable experience in consultancy work for government bodies and private sector organizations. Former students have successfully found employment in a wide variety of national and international organizations in the government and private sector. The Department has important relationships with professional and regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Planning and Implementation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Department of National Planning, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Rural Development Training and Research Institute, the Open University of Sri Lanka and the University of Moratuwa, etc. Awards and Scholarships
Gold Medals
Students reaching top levels of academic achievement are awarded the following Gold Medals at the annual convocation:
Public Administration Alumni Association Gold Medal
Deshamanya Prof. Linus de Silva Memorial Gold Medal
Scholarships
Special scholarships are awarded by the Public Administration Alumni Association to needy students among third year students in the Department of Public Administration, thus providing supplementary financial assistance to help them proceed with their higher education. Associations
Association of Public Administration (APA)
The Association of Public Administration represents the total student community in the Public Management study programmes of the University. It was established in the early 1980s and is regulated by its constitution. The main purpose of the APA is to promote the field of Public Administration and the affiliated areas. APA is meant solely for the betterment of Public Management students. All students are encouraged to join as active participants. It is aimed to create opportunities for students to develop their knowledge, skills and research abilities. Alumni Association
Graduates who have passed through this Department are eligible to be members of the Alumni Association of Public Administration. The association already has more than 500 permanent members. While it aims primarily to promote interaction and mutual support among the graduates of the Department of Public Administration, the members, as professionals in society, seek to help in upgrading the quality of the degree, enriching the field of Public Administration and serving the country in general.
