The External English Courses (EEC) affiliated to the Department of Languages (DoL) is playing a pivotal role as a premier messenger of BuddhasravakaBhiksu University (BBU) to carry the glory of our university to the outside world. While earning a good name and fame for the university, the EEC also provides a greater social service to many young and needy enthusiasts to cast off one of their longstanding career debacles.

The course has been particularly designed to cater to the demands of various public and private sector departments to improve their English Language skills. Besides, the course is also aimed at helping out the school leavers and other professionals to sharpen their English knowledge.

EEC has gained a marked improvement and popularity ever since it started in 2005 under the patronage and guidance of the then Vice Chancellor Venerable Dr. GodagamaMangalaNayaka Thero. Venerable Dr.AlahenegamaSumanaratana Thero, HOD, DoL, and Mr. D N Aloysius, lecturer in English, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, have been the key players in designing, founding and initiating the course. The university Senate and the Council have duly approved the new project as it can provide a greater social service to the public in the North Central region.

Course Objectives:

Improving the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar knowledge of the students, so that they can communicate effectively in English both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Improving reading habits and encouraging the students to do higher studies in English medium.

Helping the Buddhist monks in the area improve their English knowledge so that they can visit foreign countries and preach in English and share their knowledge with them.

The students are also expected to do significant researches in English medium with the help of new science and technology.

EEC consists of three major course levels:

• Diploma Course (200 hours)
• Certificate Course (140 hours)
• Preliminary Certificate Course (120 hours)

The course offers both theoretical and practical knowledge of English under the following headings.

• English Language
• English Literature & Buddhist Literature
• Business Communication
• Listening & Comprehension
• Oral Test
• Project Report & Presentation seminar

Course Date &Timing: - EEC is held on Sunday (9.00 a.m. – 2.45 p.m.)

Course Venue: -BuddhasravakaBhiksu University

Eligibility requirements: – Any person above 18 years of age with at least a simple pass in GCE (O/L) Examination including English Language can apply for this course which leads to B.A. External Degree with English as a subject. Those who have similar qualifications also can apply for the course. Those who have successfully completed Certiticate/ Professional / Diploma or any other English course in a university or in a recognized academic institute can also apply for this course provided the university authority agrees to admit such qualifications. All the applicants are required to sit a placement test conducted by the BuddhasravakaBhiksuUniversity, Anuradhapura and they will be categorized under the following courses depending on their marks.

• Preliminary Certificate Course
• Certificate Course
• Diploma Course

Following are the administrative committee of the External English Courses appointed for the academic year 2007-2008.

BBU/EEC programme has been providing an invaluable service so far to the needy English learners in the region with some remarkable achievements within a very short period of time. The programme also has introduced a wall paper called “Mirror Wall” and a literary magazine called “Quintessence“.