Z Score: FR application fixed for support on Feb. 13

February 2, 2012, 9:26 pm, The Island.

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Supreme Court yesterday fixed for support on Feb. 13, 2012, with notice to respondents, the fundamental rights violation application, which has asked the court to declare null and void the Advanced Level 2011 results, already issued, and to re-issue the correct results, after re-formulating the Z-score.

The petitioners are a group of students and  the Ceylon Teachers’ Union claiming that the Z score has been wrongly calculated. They have said that two syllabuses––new and old–– should be taken as distinct entities in working out the correct Z score to re-issue fresh results.

Among the respondents are the Commissioner General of Examinations, the University Grants Commission and the Attorney General.

Yesterday when the case was called before the court, the senior state counsel, Nevin Pulle said that the respondents had not been sufficiently noticed. J. C. Weliamuna, Counsel for the petitioner, said that he had already submitted the notices to the Registrar of the Court. Mr. Waliamuna appeared with Sanjeewa Kaluarachchi for the petitioner.

The court directed the Registrar to send the notices to the respondents forthwith.

The Bench comprised the Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, Justice N. G. Amaratunga and Justice Sripavan.

Private Medical College  challenges its critics

February 2, 2012, 12:00 pm , The Island.

The South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) more popularly known as the Malabe Private Medical College yesterday urged mud-slinging and malicious medical associations not to mislead people about the status of the PMC. Its Director, Dr.Sameera Senaratna, challenged them to produce evidence as to whether the Malabe PMC was lacking any of the requirements for medical education.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had given degree awarding status to the Malabe PMC. But in accordance with the provisions of the Sri Lanka Medical Ordinance, the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) could not register the PMC as it lacked a hospital for its students to do their clinical studies. But the PMC management was hopeful that the SLMC, under present administration, would do justice in the near future once the new 1,002 bed hospital is commissioned, Dr Senaratna told a media Conference held at PMC auditorium on January 31.

He said that some professional medical associations had been on the warpath against the PMC since its establishment because they were under the impression that a surplus of doctors would be produced by the college. They were self-centred and were hell bent on obstructing more doctors being produced by the private sector.

The Malabe PMC invited anti-Malabe PMC organizations to show the management any fault, shortcomings or lapses, then it would be able to rectify them. But instead of constructive criticism, some medical personnel had resorted to misleading people. Even medical experts’ sons and daughters were students of the Malabe PMC, he said.

PMC Chairman Dr. Nevil Fernando said that a highly sophisticated teaching hospital at a cost of Rs.1.8 billion was being constructed near the PMC. It would be opened in April 2012. The medical students of the PMC would be able to do their clinical training there. "This is not a business. I am the person who built the PMC to provide better medical education. I am not doing this for personal rewards because I am convinced that this is a very worthy cause," Dr.Fernando stressed.

He said that when a person was contributing to the welfare of the society, rival forces would try everything to nip the person’s projects in the bud. But they would one day realize the importance of the person and repent.

Already a transfer deed has been executed to bequeath the new hospital to the government after his death, Dr. Fernando said.

Governance of  our universities

February 2, 2012, 7:17 pm , The Island.

by Dr. Janaka Ratnasiri

Before I address the issue of governance of universities, let me make a few general remarks on the governance of the country’s public sector organisations. Sri Lanka has two systems of public sector organisations other than ministries – one referred to as departments and the other the so-called semi-government organisations. In the case of a government department, its administration rests solely on a single person serving as the Head of the Department who is also its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is referred to by many names such as the Director General or Commissioner General or Conservator General etc. In his decision making, he is strictly governed by the government’s administrative regulations (AR) and financial regulations (FR) as well as on many financial and administrative circulars issued from time to time by the Treasury and the Public Administration (PA) Ministry, respectively. He has little discretion of his own and whatever discretion he has, he is not in a position to use it the way he wants as he is closely watched by trade unions. Generally, in most departments, the head is appointed from the ranks based on seniority unless there is compelling evidence against such an appointment.

In the case of semi-government organisations referred to generally as statutory boards and specifically as Authorities, Boards, Commissions, Corporations etc., the CEO is not the sole authority responsible for the administration of the organisation. Almost all these organisations have been established under a separate Act of Parliament which describes their mandates and objectives. The Act also provides for the appointment of a governing body responsible for its general governance and financial control. The governing body, referred to by different names such as Board of Directors, Governing Board, Management Board, Council etc., is chaired by a person specifically nominated by the Minister in charge. The attributes of the board members are also spelt out in the Act. Most of these statutory boards were established in the sixties and seventies to introduce some flexibility to the administration of government bodies with a view to improve their efficiencies without being stifled by ARs and FRs.

The appointment of the CEO is in the hands of the Minister and may or may not be appointed out of the ranks. The CEO is only a member of the board and has no powers to make decisions which is done collectively by the Board and of course guided by the Chairman. Though the Act gives the boards the necessary powers to act independently, it is customary today to seek the approval of the Ministry and even the Treasury before any decision is implemented. The smooth operation of the organisation lies to a great extent on the relationship between the Chairman and the CEO. The CEO cannot act unilaterally on any issue as he is answerable to the Board. In general, this collective decision making is a better system than what is found in departments where only a single person does all the decision making.

In universities, on the other hand, the prevailing system is quite different. Universities do have boards of management called the Councils responsible for overall administration, and another called the Senate responsible for decision making on academic matters. However, the Chairman of the Council and the CEO are one and the same person - the Vice Chancellor (VC) - a feature not found in any other organisation. The universities do have another person above the VC, that is the Chancellor, but currently his functions are limited to chairing the Annual Convocations where he gives away the degree certificates to the newly passing out graduates and garlanding them. He does not play any role in any decision making activity, not even in any advisory capacity. Thus, the VC has the total control of all university affairs including those of the students. By any standard, this system cannot be accepted as satisfactory and it should be rectified by bringing the decision making process in universities to fall in line with that of the other public sector organisations. It is not difficult to do this change even now as the universities already have the Chancellor and this change could be done simply by making the Chancellor the Chairman of the Council. If any amendments to the Act or regulations need to be done to effect such a change, I believe there should be no barrier for that. Such a change could bring about a more balanced decision making process acceptable to everybody concerned, minimising conflict situations in our universities. In the future, cognizance may be made on this new role of a Chancellor when appointing them.

According to recent media reports, there have been student agitations in several universities on a wide range of issues. In some of these, students have taken to the road voicing their protests against the VCs. At least in one university, the VC has been debarred from taking any policy decision for which a separate committee has been appointed by higher authorities. It is obvious that there has been a breakdown of the trust placed by students on the VC and it is important that this should be restored to ensure smooth operation of universities. Many of the ills prevailing in universities could be avoided by separating out the VC’s functions as the CEO of the university and his decision making function as the Council Chairman. Student protests against the university system including VCs are of course not something new, and these used to come up from time to time even from the time of the first Sri Lankan VC – Sir Nicholas Attygalle. Incidentally, he too was known to govern the University with an iron fist.

In addition to the above anomaly, there is another serious matter that could cause the prevailing loss of trust in the VCs; that is the current procedure adopted for the appointment of a VC. Out of the candidates nominated or who submit applications for the post of a VC when it falls vacant and advertised, the Council selects three persons suitable for the post and forwards their names to higher authorities for the final selection. While there are strict guidelines laid out for the initial selection, there are no such guidelines prescribed for the final selection. A question that would come up in the minds of any right thinking person is what justification is there to depend on a political authority to do the final selection of a VC. Why cannot the Council itself do the final selection based solely on the merits of the candidate – both academic and humane - rather on extraneous factors?

I am sure if the person appointed as VC is someone whom the students could look up to, many of the problems that plague our universities would not come up. However, even if the best person is appointed in the manner adopted at present, he or she has little acceptance as the best person, particularly by students who will see the new VC as a political appointee rather than as a respected academic. Such a perception of a VC does not do any good to the system or to the person himself. It only undermines the credibility of the person however good the person is. In the event of a crisis, everyone concerned – academics, non-academics, students and others – will certainly listen to a person who could stand on his own feet rather than to a person who has received state patronage.

Currently, Sri Lanka is at the receiving end of international criticism in many fronts ranging from alleged war crimes to suppression of media freedom. To those elements who wish to damage the image of Sri Lanka, any interference in the appointment of a VC by the Head of State may also appear as suppression of academic freedom, and they will not hesitate to add this to the list of alleged crimes against the society. I believe anywhere in the democratic world, the selection of a person for appointment as the VC is a task carried out solely by the university and nowhere by a head of state as done here. Hence, sooner this procedure is done away with the better it is for the system and for the country.

Let the Council alone decide the most suitable person for appointment as the VC, judging solely on the merits. Such a VC appointed through accepted procedure could then earn the respect from all quarters – academics (both local and international), non-academics, students and the community. It is the only way the government could restore the dignity of the VC’s position. A VC held in high esteem will certainly be able to avoid any conflict situation in universities which has been a bane in the country erupting from time to time in recent times. The government, too, should have faith in such a system and I am sure that any person so selected as the VC will serve the university, community and the country with equal loyalty to the government as one appointed under the current system.

70 university students in remand

Thursday, 02 February 2012 02:47, The Island

Some 300 university students are facing court cases while 70 are already in remand custody as a result of a crackdown carried on students by the authorities, the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) alleged yesterday.

IUSF Convener Sanjeewa Bandara said more than 1,000 students had been suspended from the universities during the past two years.

He said these students had been penalised for fighting for their rights and vowed the students would go ahead with their protests to safeguard the free education system in the country regardless of the crackdown.

Mr. Bandara said the government was planning to introduce a Bill to set up private universities.

“We are having discussions with parents of school children to work out a plan for joint action,” he said but added that there was no move yet to get school children to join the protests.

Responding to government allegations that these student unions are linked to the Pro LTTE Tamil Diaspora, he said they have no connections with Tamil expatriates.

However Mr. Bandara said the union was closely associated with the Tamil youth in the North. “This is purely for resolving the common problems faced in the education sector but with no other motive,” he said.

When asked whether continuous protests would not disturb their education, he said the union accepted that students attend universities to study but they were compelled to take to the streets when there was no appropriate environment for them to engage in studies. Citing examples he said there are no adequate staff and other facilities in the Management Faculty in the University of Peradeniya. He alleged that the intake of students in the faculty had been reduced to 50 this year when compared with 150 last year. (Yohan Perera)

Education and Higher Education: Bouquets and Brickbats

February 1, 2012, 7:35 pm , The Island.


By Prof. H. Sriyananda

It is indeed a rare occasion in Sri Lanka today that one can genuinely offer ‘Bouquets’ to anyone in authority, but it is with pleasure that I would like to offer my congratulations to the Government of Sri Lanka for the recent announcement that the Private Universities Bill is withdrawn, at least for the time being. I only hope that this is not a mere tactical withdrawal to divert attention, but is based on the realisation of the impropriety of the manner of its intended introduction.

I grant that there are strong arguments both for and against the establishment of ‘private universities’. Most of these are based on emotional judgments, knee-jerk reactions and long-held prejudices that have not been examined critically. This is complicated by the fact that private universities mean quite different things to different people. I do not propose to discuss these issues in this short article, but to highlight the manner in which such issues have been handled in the past and to suggest how this can be handled now.

Most people are very eloquent in stating that education is valued very highly in our culture. This is perhaps true, and that may be why, on previous occasions, with rare and disastrous exceptions, any proposals for changes in the existing system of education have been subjected to widespread public debate, not only among the so-called ‘stake-holders’, but among the mass of the people, for ALL citizens are vital stake-holders of the future of our children. If we confine our attention to the ‘modern’ period, the Colebrook-Cameron Commission (1829) made proposals for wide-ranging changes in the then existing system of education under the British, and consequently, the Education Commission was established in 1834 for the management of all schools under the government. Towards the end of the colonial period, the University of Ceylon was established in 1942, after a very long public debate about its functions, structure and even the location. In 1958, the Needham Commission was appointed by the then Government of Ceylon to study and report on the need for expanding university education, and submitted its report after conducting a series of public sittings all over the country.

In 1961, the National Education Commission (NEC) was appointed by the government to report on proposals for a unified education system for the whole country, with Prof. J E Jayasuriya as the Chairman and 20 eminent members including Dr C W W Kannangara, L H Mettananda, S Natesan and T Vimalananda. In 1963, The T P de S Munasignhe Commission was appointed to report on Technical Education, and subsequently, a white paper was issued in 1964. Unfortunately, the government was defeated before the white paper could be discussed, and the new government dropped the matter altogether. However, the Ceylon College of Technology (now, the University of Maratuwa) was established in 1966 as a result of the recommendations of the Munasinghe Commission.

In Higher Education, the National Council of Higher Education (1966) and the Jayaratne Reforms (1972) can be both considered to be knee-jerk reactions to specific situations, undertaken without much discussion and without reaching consensus. Neither could last a change of government, and were ultimately replaced by the present system of higher education introduced by the 1978 Universities Act which was prepared after much discussion, with the then Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education visiting all the seats of higher education and all other learned institutions of relevance and meeting with all those concerned, including with students. It has now lasted more than three decades, and many changes of government.

There is something we need to learn from these three episodes – while it is possible for governments to pass legislation without consultation, they are short lived, even though the harm they do will be long lasting.

And now it is time for the brickbats.

Even though some two weeks have elapsed since the announcement of the withdrawal of the proposed Bill, there appears to be no action to follow it up with a genuine attempt at a public discussion on the issues that were supposed to have been addressed by the proposed ‘urgent’ legislation. The government could appoint a Commission of Inquiry (with demonstrably independent and competent commissioners) to inquire into and report on the state of education / higher education in the country and to suggest how they can be improved to meet the current and future needs. For, obviously, the problems are there not only in higher education, but also in general education.

The fact that the universities as they are now cannot admit all those who ‘qualify’ through the GCE A/L Exam is true, but it begs the question whether these students can benefit from a university education. It is necessary to look more carefully at pre-university education and at the phenomenon of private tuition and coaching for examinations. It has also caused a complete erosion of free education at school level, and it is starting to happen at university level.

If it already has some suggestions, it can present a white paper for public discussion, and even facilitate such a discussion, leading to a general consensus document. The absence of such a course of action only suggests that the government is only marking time to re-launch its aborted legislation, perhaps at a moment when the public attention is diverted to some other issue. The Commission appointed to report on the z-score fiasco can only illustrate how not to appoint a commission of inquiry. It is patently unfair by the officers paid out of public funds to be asked to sit on such a commission – for they can neither refuse, nor can they come up with a really independent report, in the present atmosphere.

The step-motherly treatment given to education is highlighted by the fact that the National Education Commission, established in 1991 ‘to make recommendations to the President, on educational policy in all its aspects, with a view to, ensuring continuity in educational policy and enabling the education system to respond to changing needs in society. Review and analyze such policies and plans in operation and where necessary, to recommend to the President, changes in such Policy Plan or plans.’ is currently in abeyance – there are no sitting commissioners, and its website says ‘New Commission will be appointed by HE the president’! When is the question? [This is a permanent commission, not to be confused with the Jayasuriya commission of 1961.]

Indian scholarships for Sri Lankans

February 1, 2012, 9:26 pm , The Island.

India has offered nearly 150 under-graduate and post-graduate scholarship for sharing in India to Sri Lankans, the High Commissioner for Indian announced.

*Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: 60 additional slots are being offered under this scheme which covers all undergraduate courses, except Medicine, Total slots available under the Nehru Memorial scheme is now 100.

*Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: 50 scholarships for Masters Degrees, including 10 in Agricultural Science, 20 in Science and 20 in Engineering.

*Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: 25 slots for undergraduate courses in the field of ‘Information Technology’ leading to a BE or B.Tech Degree.

The Government of India will select meritorious Sri Lankan nationals for award of these scholarships. Selection of candidates is done in consultation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Sri Lanka, to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD Degrees in some of the leading universities in India.

All scholarships cover full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course, in addition to a monthly sustenance allowance. The scholarship also covers accommodation allowance and an annual grant for books, stationary. Besides, all ICCR scholars in India are provided full healthcare facilities, first class train fare and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits.The Ministry of ‘Higher Education has invited applications from eligible candidates. The last date for submission of duly filled up application forms, is Feb 06, 2012.

The Application forms can be downloaded, from the website of Ministry of Higher Education at www.mohe.qov.lk. Interested candidates can also visit the website of High Commission of India for further details on the scholarships.

IUSF angered over reduction of students by UGC

February 1, 2012, 9:27 pm , The Island.

by Dasun Edirisinghe

Undergraduates of the Peradeniya University’s Management Department are angered over the University Grants Commission (UGC) reducing the number of students for the course from next year.

Convener of the Inter University Students’ Federation Sanjeewa Bandara told The Island that according to the UGC handbook, issued for the next academic year, the number of students to the Management Course of the Peradeniya University had been cut down to 50.

"It was 150 last year," he said adding that this was an example of the government reducing free education opportunities while paving the way for private universities.

He said that they launched a protest demanding the establishment of a Management Faculty in the university and against reduction of students for the course. This was the government’s response.

According to him, the Management Department of the university currently functions under the Arts Faculty and students have been urging for a Management Faculty at Peradeniya for about three years.

Bandara said that currently, there were nearly 600 students, but the immediate past batch faced several difficulties due to lack of facilities as well as shortage of staff.

"University management promised to increase facilities and a new building for the department, but now they have reduced student intake," he said.UGC Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayake when contacted for comments said that a department cannot be converted into a faculty overnight.

He said most of faculties in Sri Lankan universities started as departments and they turned into faculties after a long process.

Prof. Samaranayake said that however last time they entered a double batch as they did not admit students to the course in the previous year.

According to him, the UGC did not reduce the total number of students who were admitted to the management courses in universities countrywide.

Leadership programme a flop, ragging must be eradicated - FUTA

February 1, 2012, 10:36 pm , The Island.

by DasunEdirisinghe

University academics yesterday vehemently condemned ragging in Sri Lankan universities and blamed higher education minister S. B. Dissanayake for not consulting teachers when taking decisions on university affairs,

President of the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA) Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri said that their members were committed to working towards the elimination of ragging.

 "Our members have always condemned ragging and have attempted to do everything within their capacity to mitigate and to help eradicate it," he said in a statement last night.

Dr. Devasiri denied Minister S. B. Dissanayake’s claim that some sections of university teachers were supportive of ragging in the Peradeniya University.

Dr. Devasiri said that FUTA noted that the ‘leadership programme’ initiated by the higher education ministry without consulting academics, was also a complete flop as far as bringing ragging to a close was concerned.

 "It is clear that the academic community, the university authorities and the government alone cannot solve this and unless the students themselves make a conscientious decision to do so this problem will continue to plague the university system," Dr. Devasiri said.

The senior academic said that FUTA urgently and strongly requested all student unions, the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) led by the JVP rebel group and others to take immediate steps towards eliminating ragging from the entire university system.

Despite Minister S. B. Dissanayake’s claim that ragging was present only in IUSF dominated universities, a statement by the Arts Faculty Teachers’ Association, University of Colombo, indicated that ragging was prevalent in other universities as well, Dr. Devasiri said.

The statement said: "The FUTA also vehemently condemns the role of the government and the Minister of Higher Education regarding two related trends with regard to its handling of university and academics matters. One, the authoritarian manner in which action is taken with regard to administrative matters, namely the imposition of ultra-expensive private security firms on universities, militarization of universities, politicization of universities, infringement of university autonomy, excessive use of force in curbing the democratic right of the students to protest and suppression of student protests under the guise of adopting measures to prevent ragging; Secondly, obscuring all other relevant issues plaguing the university system such as, the meager funds allocated for higher education, non-consultative process adopted in higher education reforms, inadequate funding to carryout research, salary and benefits related commitments made to the academic community, by only focusing on ragging. The Academic community is very disturbed by these alarming trends and urges the government and the Minister of Higher Education to act prudently in dealing with all issues that are undermining the higher educational system in the country today."

Unrest in Universities and The Private Universites Bill

 

Chat with Dr. Sumathy Sivamohan & Dr.Harini Amarasuriya from Young Asia Television on Vimeo.

GMOA strike for telephone allowance

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 12:27,Dailymirror

Government doctors in all provincial hospitals in the Colombo District are on a token strike today owing to the failure of the government to provide a telephone allowances to the doctors.

The Homagama, Avissawella, Mulleriyawa and Angoda base hospitals are on strike. In addition to that nine divisional hospitals, 26 primary care units and 12 MOH offices are also on strike.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said that a treasury circular was issued in July 2010 according to which consultants and administrators are entitled to a Rs.12,000 telephone allowance while grade medical officers are entitled to a telephone allowance of Rs.6,000.

GMOA Assistant Secretary Dr. Nalin Ariyarathne said many doctors in a number of provinces have not received the allowance.

Meanwhile the GMOA recently held discussions with President Rajapaksa requesting to increase the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance from Rs.12,500 to Rs.30,000. (Olindhi Jayasundere)