By Sujeeva Nivunhella/Island
The sudden closure of Fullham & Chelsea College in London has left 38 Sri Lankan students stranded. They had come to the UK early 2011 to study in this private educational institute.
One of the affected students, Bimsara Nadeeka Ranaweera has sought the assistance of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London after the closure of the college on July 29, 2011.
Ranaweera has informed the High Commission that a team of Tier 4 students of Fulham & Chelsea College, Eden House, 59 Fullham High Street, SW6 3JJ have now been stranded due to its closure and sought help to find another college to pursue their education.
Apparently, these students had paid over Rs. 1.5 million (US$13,700) to agents of the college in Sri Lanka for enrolment. Two agents of this college in Sri Lanka are based in Colombo 3 and Negombo.
The Sunday Island understands that Saman Ekanayake, Minister/Education & Culture in the Sri Lankan High Commission in London is in consultation with the British Accreditation Council to arrange an alternative college for these students or to try and get their tuition fees refunded.
Chaminda Kularatne, Minister/Consular in the High Commission said students in Sri Lanka should verify with the British High Commission in Sri Lanka the status of the college they opt for to pursue their higher studies, before they pay money to agents.
