FUTA expresses ‘grave concern’ over recent amendment to Universities Act

February 8, 2014, 6:32 pm 

Dr. Rohan Fernando, SundayIsland

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) expressed grave concerned over the recent amendment made to the Universities Act which, it pointed out, has specific consequences for medical education.

FUTA General Secretary, Dr. Rohan Fernando says in a communiqué to SLMC President, Prof. Carlo Fonseka:

"The amendment made to the University Act No. 16 of 1978 by means of Gazette notification published on 31st January 2014 is as follows:

"An amendment was made to the section 31 of the RULES made under Section 137 read with Section 70 C and 70 D of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, by the Secretary to the Ministry of the Minister assigned the subject of Higher Education being the Specified Authority appointed under Section 70 B of the aforesaid Act.

"Previous - Extra ordinary Gazette No. 1824/21 – on 22.08.2013

31. All Non-State Institutes which have been recognized as Degree Awarding Institutes in pursuance to the Report made to the Minister by the Specified Authority under Section 70 C of the Act and which offer study programmes leading to Degrees in Medicine, Engineering, Architecture and other similar professional Degrees shall, obtain compliance certification from the relevant Specified Professional Body and shall submit such certification to the

Specified Authority.

"Amendment - Extra ordinary Gazette No. 1847/56 – on 31.01. 2014

31. All Non State Institutes recognized as degree awarding Institutes in pursuance to the reports made to the Minister by the Specified Authority under Section 70C of the Act and which offer study programmes leading to Degrees in Medicine, Engineering, Architecture and other similar professional Degrees also may seet* compliance certificates from respective professional

bodies. (*as in the Gazette, probably a printing mistake for ‘seek’)

"According to this amendment, the pre-requisite of all non-state institutes recognized as degree awarding institutes to obtain a compliance certificates from professional bodies has become discretionary.

"Consequently, the Sri Lanka Medical Council, which has been mandated to uphold the quality and standards of medical education, will no longer have the power to regulate the quality of medical education. It is our view that this is a serious blow to ensuring educational standards within non-state institutions.

"It is our firm belief that professional bodies established under acts of parliament for the purpose of setting standards and marinating professional integrity in their respective areas should continue to fulfill their role without obstruction and interference.

"We wish to bring to your attention section 19 (e) of the Medical Ordinance. This section clearly denotes that the Medical Council is the body designated to maintain minimum standards of Medical Education including standards relating to courses of study, examinations, staff, equipment, accommodation, training and other

facilities at universities and other institutions which grant or confer any qualification which entitles a person to obtain registration under the ordinance. However, this power of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (as well as other professional bodies) has been undermined through the above mentioned amendment to the University

Act.

"It is worth emphasising that the Medical Council has the power to make representations to the Government on any matter connected with the medical profession in Sri Lanka in accordance with section 12 (3) of the Medical Ordinance. Yet, we believe amendments which have serious consequences for upholding the standards of the medical profession are being made without consultation with the Sri Lanka Medical Council.

"Hence, we urge the Sri Lanka Medical Council to seriously consider this matter and to take all necessary and appropriate actions to challenge the said amendment and to protect the standards of medical education in this country. We pledge our fullest support to the Council in this regard as part of our efforts to protect the standards and quality of state education in Sri Lanka".