1).Qualifications of the teacher

The student should find out the qualifications of the teacher. Here are the main qualifications of a great teacher,
• The teacher should be able to control the language.
There are some teachers who cannot control the language proper. Because they think that teaching English is only teaching the grammar. Then they teach only the grammar not English.
• Teacher should be able to teach vary simply and the student should be able to understand the things which the teacher teaches.
• The teacher should be qualified with a degree or with a diploma of an accepted university or an institute.
2).Teaching methodology and the content of the course.
The teacher should have a master plan to achieve the competency levels of the students and he should be able to give the plan to the student.

3). Four practices.

To achieve the competency levels of speaking and understanding of a language, the student has to practice 4 things.
• LISTENING
• SPEAKING
• READING
• WRITING
Because some teachers think that teaching English is only teaching grammar. With grammar the class should be completed with above practices. If the teacher provides the master plan of practicing them, it is a good English class.

4).Develop the personality of the student

The students should have a great personality to control English language in a public place because of the nerves. The teacher should have a master plan to enrich the self confidence of the student and it should be able to get to the student. If there are personality development activities and other psychological practices of the course unit it is an interesting and very important English class. Without the self confidence English is not able to speak. The classes which develop the personality and the self confidence are the classes that make good speakers.

5).Protect the cultural identification of the students.

Each and every student has a culture and a cultural identification. Learning and be able to speak English is not changing the culture. Each and every student is able to protect the culture although after learning English. The English institutions which help to protect the cultural identification of the student are good institutions.
They are the five factors of a good English course.

Here are most popular institutions for English language.

BRITISH COUNCIL
If you study English in British Council you can have UK qualification for your studies. The certificate you receive is accepted around the world by universities and employers.
The examinations in British council
1).IELTS ENGLISH EXAM
2).CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMS
3).SCHOOL EXAMES
4).PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC EXAMS
5).EXAMES FOR TEACHERS
Opening hours at Colombo,
Tuesday to Saturday
Opening hours at Kandy,
Tuesday to Saturday

Address
Country Examinations Manager,
British Council,
49, Alfred House Gardens,
Colombo 03.
E-mail:info.lk@britishcouncil.org

AQUINAS
• Certificate in English for Business
This course is suitable for the people who need to enhance English skills that they need to work. Pass G.C.E (O/L) examination is an admission Requirement. The duration is 3 months. The classes will be held on Sunday 01.00 p.m – 10.00 a.m
Fee
Registration RS 250/=
Course Fee Rs 5, 000/= + VAT & Other Taxes(15%)
• English as a subject as G.C.E (A/L)
This is for the students who wish to sit for the A/L examination. Passed O/L is a requirement. Time duration for this is 2 years. The classes will be held on Saturday 01.00 p.m to 05.00 p.m.
Fee
Registration RS 250/=
Course Fee Rs 3, 000/= + VAT & Other Taxes(15%) per term – 10 weeks
• Advance certificate in English for business
This course is for the students who need to improve their knowledge in English for Business Administration. Passed G.C.E (O/L) examination is a requirement. The duration is six months. The classes will be held on Sunday 8. 00 a.m – 10.00 a.m and Saturday 01.00 p.m – 05.00 p.m
Fee
Registration RS 250/=
Course Fee Rs 7, 500/= + VAT & Other Taxes(15%)
Contact
Tel – +94112694014/15, +94114616311, +94114618689
Fax – +94112678463
Email: asaman_7@hotmail.com
asaman_7@hotmail.com
Fax – +9411 2678463

In Sri Lanka the standard and internationally recognized way of English learning is through the British Council. Keeping direct contact with its administrative bodies in UK, BC cater different types of English courses for the students form primary level to the advanced levels. Primary young learners, senior young learners, teenagers and junior young learners are the four major course levels offered by the British Council. Yet it has higher standards, the course fees are even bit higher where 18,500 LKR needed to pay per one term for a four termed course level. All the courses can be followed either at Colombo branch or at Kandy.

The other popular place to learn English in Sri Lanka is Aquinas Institute. Located within the city limits of Colombo, it caters different types of English learning opportunities for a reasonable price.  English as a Subject at G.C.E (A/L), Advanced Certificate in English for Business, Certificate in English for Business are some of courses available at Aquinas. Less than 10,000LKR you can complete any course in three, four or six months consecutively. Aquinas is also considered as one of the oldest institutes in Sri Lanka for English learning and many other study areas, which is now considered not just as an institute but a reputed private university.

BCIS, Bandaranayke Center of International Studies is also providing good English courses for you for affordable prices. Under its language teaching program it offers a 100 hours English language program for anyone who keen in studying this international language.

University of Colombo has a well recognized English language study courses for both academics and professionals. Institute of Human Resource Advancement (IHRA), University of Colombo, offers English Language certificate course and English certificate course for teachers. ELTU; English Language Teaching Unit affiliated to the Department of English also conduct these courses as part time diplomas during weekends. Most of Sri Lanka’s professionals and others tend to follow these courses as they fulfill their survival in the internationalized modern day world. If you are interested in governmental mode of English education you might follow this way.

• CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH FOR CAREERS (ECI)/CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT (PART I)

• CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH FOR CAREERS (ECII)/CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT(PART II)

• CERTIFICATE IN OFFICE ENGLISH SKILLS

• DIPLOMA IN ADVANCED ENGLISH FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ACADEMIC PURPOSES (DAE)

• CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH FOR LAW (EL)

• DIPLOMA IN ENGLISH FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH (DETE) ,
• DIPLOMA IN ENGLISH FOR ENGLISH MEDIUM INSTRUCTION TEACHERS (DEEMIT)

IEM- Institute of English Maharagama is also a reputed institute for English language learning. Dr. Kithsiri Jayasuriya as the founder and the present director of the institute has been introduced a monthly basis payment method to the students to overcome the bulk paying issue. Therefore students who study in IEM will get the prestige of attending classes without a pressure of a large sum of money. Though it is flexible in payments it has never being lost its reputation or the recognition among students. Grade parallel classes, English literature classes and diploma classes are available in IEM.

Apart from these pioneer institutions Susil Nanayakkara, Pujitha Wijesinghe, Noelin Hunter, Rathna Wijethunga, and many others are also conducting private institutions for learning English in Sri Lanka. Focusing mainly on spoken and the elocution paradigms of the language these institutions assist hundreds and thousands of students to improve their English. Home tuition, group tuition, night tuition, are some of the other minor but rather effective ways of learning English here.

Even though above all methods are said to be the best ways of learning English, there is one other way that you might use which will be the best and economic way of learning such language. Because it is a language, it has to be practiced by own. Therefore self learning is much essential even while studying at an institute. Reading English books, novels, newspapers, watching and listening to English news, watching English movies, following good speech accents, talk to friends and family and moreover being with the language is more worth.

Following table will overview some pioneering English learning institutes in Sri Lanka, their course details and costs which might help you in finding the best way for you.

Related courses:

English certificate courses from University of Colombo
Courses you can do after Advanced Level

Online degrees in Sri Lanka 
External degrees in Sri Lanka
CIMA – a quick guide
Open university of Sri Lanka

Commissioner General of Examinations Anura Edirisinghe said that 58.79 percent of school candidates had qualified for Advanced Level studies this year, an increase against 48.51 percent qualified the previous year.





The percentage of students who passed Mathematics has increased from 50.17 percent in 2009 to 61.61 2010, Science from 44.31 to 59.80 percent and English from 37.35 to 41.41. The Commissioner stated that most of the top 25 students (best results) were students from rural areas.

According to the Examinations Department around 62% of the students who sat for their GCE Ordinary Level examinations have passed all their subjects. Also, 3059 students have received ‘A’ passes in all nine subjects this year compared with 1,020 students with such performance last year.

Did the students suddenly become more brighter this year or did the Department of Examination lowered the pass mark and the mark for obtaining A grade?

Related:
A/L Tuition classes for students after O/L
Subject options for A/L
Subject combinations for A/L Arts stream
Find O Level (O/L) Tuition Teachers, Classes, Educational Institutes in Sri Lanka
A3  - A/L educational lessons on Sirsa TV
Download A/L past papers

Time table:

Monday -
5 am Combined Mathematics (Dushyantha Mahabaduge); 5.30 am Physics (Amith Pusella)
Tuesday -
5 am Chemistry (K Siri Vithanage); 5.30 am Biology (Hiran Amarasekera)

Wednesday-
5 am Accounting (Kumudu Liyanage); 5.30 am Business Studies (Bandara Dissanayake)
Thursday -
5 am Economics (Bandara Dissanayake); 5.30 am General English (Pujitha Wijesinghe)
Friday -
5 am Sinhala (Senarathna Kariyawasam); 5.30 am Political Science (Dinesh Idruse)
Saturday -
5 am Geography (Leonard Kumaragamage); 5.30 am History (Venarable Rahula)
Sunday -
5 am Logic (Anuradha Abeysekera); 5.30 am Buddihist Civilization- BC (Venarable Malimbada Pannasara)

Related Posts:

• Downlaod other A Level Syllabuses – Physics, Chemistry, Biology…
• Download A/L past papers
• Biology Podcasts (audio lesseson)
• Student Jobs
• Download GCE AL teacher guides – Teacher’s Instructional Manuals
• Download Sri Lankan GCE Ordinary Level Examination Papers
• Download School Text Books free

Courses offered in IT
In the discipline IT NIBM offers different courses of its own and in collaboration with the University of Ireland. Degree and Diploma courses are to cater different needs as well as Certificate courses to ensure students with lesser entry qualifications to National Universities. After completing basic courses students are able to work towards a well recognized degree in IT from Europe.
• B.Sc in Management Information Systems (conducted in collaboration with University College, Dublin)
• B.Sc in Management Information Systems – Special Degree (UGC Approved)
• Diploma in Computer System Design ( English )
• Higher Diploma in Computer Based Information Systems ( English )
• Certificate Course in 2D and 3D Animation
• Certificate Course in Computer Networking & Administration ( English )
• Certificate Course in Computer Hardware
• Certificate Course in Personal Computer Based Application Packages (English)
• Certificate Course in VB.NET Programming for Database Applications ( English )
The cost of these courses varies between an affordable range. For example cost of Certificate course in 2D & 3D Animation is Rs 30500/- whereas cost of B.Sc in MIS is Rs 480500/-. The tuition classes are conducted in weekends and weekday evenings. Therefore students who are employed can easily follow these courses.

Courses in management and related fields
In the field of management and productivity the NIBM offers the mature and employed student the opportunity to obtain well recognized qualifications in diverse fields through twelve diploma programs conducted in the English and Sinhala media as well as the numerous Certificate and short term courses. The institute also caters to specific needs of the industry through customized training programs and through consultancy assignments.
• B.Sc in Business Management Special Degree – (UGC Approved)
• B.Sc (Hons) in Management (conducted in collaboration with University College, Dublin)
• B.Sc (Hons) in Human Resources Management (conducted in collaboration with University College, Dublin)
• B.Sc (Hons) in Facilities Management
• Advanced Diploma in Business Management / Part Time ( English )
• Higher National Diploma in Insurance (HNDI)
• Advanced Diploma in Marketing Management ( English )
• Advanced Diploma in Project Management
• Advanced Diploma in Financial & Management Accounting ( Sinhala )
There are number of courses conducted by NIBM other than listed here. You can contact NIBM on Tel Nos: 011-2692165, 011-2693404, Hotline: 5321000, Email: nibmpro@sltnet.lk.

You can download the Registration form. This form can be used to register for any program conducted by NIBM. Completed form should be sent to the NIBM. Application can be Faxed or Posted

Registration Form

NIBM’s main campus at Colombo and other regional centers in Kandy and Kurunagala ensure that quality education and training is available throughout the country. NIBM intends to establish Regional Centres in other key districts to meet the needs of the youth and those of the industry, for qualified and trained personnel.

Colombo Center -120/5, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. Hot Line: 5321000 – 30
Kurunegala Center -47, Bauddaloka Mawatha, Kurunegala. 037-5620298, 037-2222778
Kandy Center-30, Colombo Street, Kandy. 081-2236651 077-7791667

NIBM is awarding Gold Medals, full scholerships and half scholerships for each batch per each Diploma programme and Higher Diploma programmes. Students will be selected for these based on a selection criteria by NIBM’s governing council.
The NIBM Library & Documentation Centre is a good source of information for students. This is available for course participants for reference purposes. Participants in Diploma Programmes and certificate courses are allowed the facility of borrowing books on payment of a refundable deposit.

Related Courses:

SLIIT, CIMA, Law college, National Universities
Technical education and vocational training
Online degrees in Sri Lanka
External degrees in Sri Lanka

To download a pdf file, right click a link and ’save as’ on the menu.

Business Studies 2009 A/L Paper I

Economics 2008 A/L Paper I
Economics 2008 A/L Paper II

More Past A/L Past Papers on other subjects
Download more Papers from Student Lanka Learning Community
Download O/L Past Papers
Download School examination Papers
Tuition classes for students after O/L examination

Downlaod A Level Syllabuses
Download A/L past papers

Student Jobs
Download GCE AL teacher guides – Teacher’s Instructional Manuals





Examination department has published Sri Lankan GCE O/L examination papers. Only past papers from 2006 O/L examination are available to download.

Sinhala Medium Past Papers

Buddhism |
English |
Mathematics |
Science and Technology Sinhala Literature Social Studies and History

Tamil Medium Past Papers

Buddhism English Mathematics Science Social & History Tamil Literature

English Medium Past Papers

Buddhism English
Mathematics
Science Social Studeis and History

Related Posts:
O/L 2010 Science Model Paper by Mr K Ariyasinghe
A/L Tuition classes for students after O/L
Download GCE A/L Past Papers
Find O Level (O/L) Tuition Teachers, Classes, Educational Institutes in Sri Lanka
Subject Options for GCE A/L

Advice on stream of study (Biological Science, Physical Science, Commerce or Arts). Information on major tuition centers in Colombo area and popular lecturers for different subjects can be found in following posts:

2011 A/L Tuition classes for students after O/L
Subject Options for GCE Advanced Level
Downlaod new A Level Syllabuses – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, other subjects …
Higher Education oppertunities in Biological Science