SL undergrads’ English proficiency woefully low, a study reveals

May 29, 2013, 10:06 pm , the island

by Dasun Edirisinghe

Sri Lankan undergraduates’ proficiency in English was rather unsatisfactory, a study carried out by the Ruhuna University, has revealed.

According to excerpts of the research, findings in the Royal Asiatic Society’s 6th Research Conference publication, all undergraduates, save a few, especially in the Arts Faculties, lack knowledge of English.

The research was carried out by Dr. Tilak Wijesundara, of the Department of Sociology, W. A. N. D. Wijesinghe of the Department Economics and Upul Sanjeewa Wijepala of the Department of Sociology of the Ruhuna University.

The study was done with a randomly selected sample of 160 students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ruhuna University and information was gathered with the help of four data collection methods including observation, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and case studies.

According to the research findings, the Ruhuna University is among the higher education institutions where students’ knowledge of English is very low.

Many respondents had a negative attitude towards the English Language Teaching Units (ELTUs) whereas a large majority admitted having scarcely used modern technology by ELTU in teaching English. They said they had not been motivated to learn English by teachers in ELTU.

It was also found that the majority of respondents attended English classes when they had no other activities to do. However, an overwhelming majority agreed that at least one course unit in a semester should be taught in English.

The researchers have said that based on these findings, it is possible to make some important recommendations such as creating an ‘English friendly’ culture, in universities and using English in conducting regular courses.

The need for using modern technology in teaching English, changing methods used by ELTUs and making English courses more attractive to capture students’ attention has been stressed.

When contacted for comment, Secretary of the Higher Education Ministry Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said that the problem had been identified several years back and steps taken to tackle it.

"However, most undergraduates have not made use of the opportunities and facilities available to learn English in universities," he said.

"The US government provided 10,000 scholarships to Sri Lankan undergraduates to learn English online in 2011, but only 3,000 have enrolled for the course so far," Dr. Navaratne said.

He said that ministry had decided to test the English and IT knowledge of undergraduates before degrees were awarded.

However, teaching only English grammar, was not enough, Dr. Navaratne said, stressing the need for imparting communication skills to undergraduates to prepare them for the modern world. He said the importance of learning English could not be overemphasised and the Ministry of Higher Education, under the guidance of Minister S. B. Dissanayake, was doing its utmost to help undergraduate to master the English language so that they would be able to grab opportunities available in the job market as well as in the academic field upon graduation.

Teachers Association of Eastern University 30 May 2013: Token strike

Explanatory Note:

Teachers Association of Eastern University

30 May 2013:   Token  strike

Self respect and dignity is common to all.

We are regretfully compelled to stage this strike against the abuse of one of our members by the Vice Chancellor,  disrespecting  his self respect and dignity.

On the 18^th of April 2013, the Vice Chancellor had summoned one of our members from Batticaloa  to his office at Vantharumoolai and ‘scolded him in an arrogant way and told him to quit his job immediately or find another job otherwise he will interdict him. Further he   threatened  him not to work with TAEU and told not to cooperate with the Dean and fellow academic staff from the Department’. Our member had been so depressed and worried he had to be hospitalized for treatment.

The Teachers Union of Eastern University   vehemently condemns this action.

The Vice Chancellor had claimed that he had summoned this staff on the complaint of the students of the medical faculty and told him that if fails to improve him he will  have to leave the university. It is unacceptable to accepted  that the students had directly complaint to the vice chancellor on the teaching by a member of staff and he had independently taken action  ignoring the channels of Head of department,  Dean of Faculty, Faculty Board, Student Counselors etc. Further  it questions the entire  stream of communication and channels and ridicules the role of various bodies of academic  administration.

At the same time, it is considered that a letter signed by some staff members in favour of the Vice Chancellor had been the cause  behind this episode where this particular staff member had refused to sign it. It is as known fact that the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the letter at the staff meeting and thanked the staff who had signed it in his support.

We had  encountered many situations in the past and had ignored it in the best interest of the University at large. (e.g)

a.     One of our staff member was interdicted for speaking on the mobile phone to the VC for 25 seconds as the VC claimed abuse over the phone

b.     The VC refused to accept the team which went on behalf of the affected candidate above.

c.      He had branded staff as ‘regionalist’  at a meeting held with him and  caused hurt

d.     Threatened the secretary of the TAEU that he will sack him

‘Sacking’ and ‘interdiction’ had become a part of his vocabulary at present.

We condemn the culture of  administrative arrogance. 

Though this token protest  focuses on the affected member of our staff  the principles enshrined are common to all members of staff at Eastern University.

‘Every employee has the right to his/her self respect and Dignity and it is not negotiable.’

C’bo Uni. teachers to strike if new VC doesn’t quit

May 27, 2013, 10:36 pm , The Island


The Colombo University Teachers’ Association (CUTA) yesterday threatened to launch an all-out strike if the newly appointed Vice Chancellor does not step down from the post within two weeks, or if President Mahinda Rajapaksa does not justify his appointment.

CUTA committee member and President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri told The Island that the teachers were opposed to the new VC, Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama, claiming that the appointment was politically motivated and unethical as his wife was serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

"We decided, at yesterday’s meeting, to boycott all meetings and communication with the new VC," Dr. Dewasiri said adding that they would not accept memos or letters from the newly appointed VC.

He said that three academics, including Dean of the Kothelawala Defence Univeristy’s Law Faculty Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, former Arts Faculty Dean Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake and Science Faculty’s Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama applied for the post, but Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake obtained the majority of votes at the Council meeting.

The three names were sent to the President through the UGC, Dr. Dewasiri said.

"Our association believes that Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake is the most qualified person to handle the post," Dr. Dewasiri said.

The senior academic said that the CUTA will inform President Rajapaksa of their decision and they would go for an all out strike if President does not provide a solution.

The Colombo University announced yesterday that Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama was appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the Colombo University by President Mahinda Rajapaksa with immediate effect.

FUTA rejects new Colombo VC

FUTA rejects new Colombo VC

Ceylon Today, 25/05/2013

By Aisha Nazim

Aggravating a simmering dispute over the appointment of a Vice Chancellor for the University of Colombo, university dons and the Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) have refused to accept the appointment of
Dr. Kumar Hirimburegama, spouse of the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), as the new Vice Chancellor.

Dr. Hirimburegama's appointment as Vice Chancellor was announced on Thursday evening by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
FUTA claims the appointment was clearly politically motivated in the light that other candidates, who had applied for the post, were more suitable.

The academics employed by the University of Colombo will not accept Dr. Hirimburegama as their Vice Chancellor, FUTA President
Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri said.
"We can assure you that we will not accept this appointment. We will boycott meetings that will be chaired by him and refrain from responding to official correspondence," Dr. Devasiri told Ceylon Today.“We will also give him some time to step down. Though it technically is a legal appointment, it is not a proper appointment. And we will definitely continue our struggle against this,” he added.

Dr. Devasiri said the Colombo University Teachers’ Union will be convened on Monday (27) to decide on further course of action.
He pointed out as there was a more suitable candidate for the vacancy, the appointment of Dr. Hirimburegama as the Vice Chancellor was ‘most unsuitable,’ especially as he is the spouse of the current UGC Chairperson.
However, the Ministry of Higher Education maintained to Ceylon Today the final decision of the appointment was up to President Rajapaksa, who would select the most suitable of the three candidates to fill the post.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Nandimithra Ekanayake, denied political motivations in backing the nominees. Ministry Spokesperson, Mangala Janaka, said likewise.
UGC Chairperson, Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, was unavailable for comment.

Cartoon of the day , Dailymirror

FUTA under pressure  to join strike

May 15, 2013, 9:52 pm

by Dasun Edirisinghe, the island

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) is under pressure to join the May 21 token strike, organised by the Co–ordination Committee of the Trade Union Alliance (CCUTA), against the recent electricity tariff hike, ‘The Island’ learns.

Its crucial executive committee meeting held to decide whether to participate in the strike ended at the Colombo University Arts Faculty’s Board Room, leaving it to FUTA sister unions to approve the final decision.

FUTA President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri told ‘The Island’ that FUTA executive committee decided to partially take part in the strike without adversely affecting undergraduates.

"The executive committee decision would be informed to the branch unions and it will be implemented only if they approve it," he said.

Dr. Dewasiri said that according to the Ex-Co decision, FUTA would conduct examinations and other essential services in the universities on May 21, but lectures would be boycotted.

The FUTA planned to stage demonstrations at some universities too, he said.

The key trade unions that will participate in the May 21 strike are National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), Postal and Telecommunication Officers’ Union, All Ceylon Trade Union Federation, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union, Lanka National Estate Workers Union, Ceylon Teachers’ Service Union, All Ceylon Estate Workers’ Union, Public Service National Trade Union Federation, Eksath Kamkaru Sammelanaya, Inter University Employees’ Union.

Opposition political parties the UNP and JVP also have expressed their support for the scheduled strike.

Lecturers to boycott Peradeniya Convocation

May 13, 2013, 10:22 pm


by Dasun Edirisinghe, the island

Peradeniya academics have decided to boycott their university’s annual convocation in protest against the participation of Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake as the chief guest and the appointment of a deputy vice Chancellor on the basis of his political allegiance.

A spokesman for the Federation of Peradeniya University Teachers’ Associations (FPUTA), speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the university administration had not yet announced that Minister Dissanayake would be the chief guest, but security and other VIP arrangements were being put in place.

"The Peradeniya University traditionally does not invite politicians to participate in its annual convocations," he said.

The next Convocation is scheduled to be held on May 30 with the participation of 3,200 students from eight faculties.

FPUTA President Dr. Madhawa Meegaskumbura said that their intention was not to sabotage the most memorable event in the lives of undergraduates, but the FPUTA had been constrained to take such a decision as the university administration had not heeded their protests against the manner in which the Deputy Vice Chancellor had been appointed.

He said that as a mark of protest they had already vacated the volunteer posts they held, but neither the university administration nor the higher education ministry had given them a chance to discuss and resolve the matter.

"There are nearly 1,400 lecturers in the university," Dr. Meegaskumbura said, adding that of them nearly 1,000 lecturers, who are on the permanent cadre would not attend the Convocation.

 

Deterioration of autonomy and academic freedom in the university system – FUTA press release

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FUTA won’t join strike against power tariff hike

May 13, 2013, 10:19 pm

by Dasun Edirisinghe, the island

 The Federation of University Teachers (FUTA) will not take part in the strike the Co–ordination Committee of the Trade Union Alliance (CCTUA) will hold on May 21 against the electricity tariff increases, The Island learns. It has, however, pledged solidarity with CCTUA.

FUTA sources said yesterday that university teachers were not in a position take part in the planned trade union action because of their 100–day–long strike last year over several demands.

Sources said that academic calendar of universities including examinations, was postponed by several months due to their previous year’s strike to pressure the government to allocate six per cent of the GDP for the education sector, protect free education and grant university dons a pay hike.

"We cannot disrupt the academic programmes of undergraduates," a senior academic said.

He said however they would give their full support to the scheduled strike as the electricity tariff hike was unbearable for ordinary people. The matter is to be widely discussed at the FUTA executive committee meeting today, he said.

A joint token strike would be staged in the public, private and estate sectors against the recent electricity tariff hike on May 21 as scheduled, CCTUA co–convener Wasantha Samarasinghe said.

The former JVP MP said that nearly 600 trade unions and opposition political parties, including the UNP and JVP, had already expressed their support for the token strike.

The key trade unions that will take part in the May 21 strike are National Trade Union Centre (NTUC), Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), Postal and Telecommunication Officers’ Union, All Ceylon Trade Union Federation, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union, Lanka National Estate Workers Union, Ceylon Teachers’ Service Union, All Ceylon Estate Workers’ Union, Public Service National Trade Union Federation, Eksath Kamkaru Sammelanaya, Inter University Employees’ Union.

FUTA resents ‘politically motivated sacking’

May 12, 2013, 9:56 pm


by Dasun Edirisinghe, The Island

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) is up in arms against the sacking of a probationary lecturer of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, which they claimed was politically motivated.

FUTA President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said that the Council of the Sri Jayewardenepura University had decided on Thursday to sack probationary lecturer Anuruddha Pradeep as he had not completed his masters examinations.

Dr. Dewasiri said that Pradeep had been working at the Political Science Department of the University for the last eight years.

"According to the law, probationary lecturers would have to complete the masters within eight years, but it has not happened," he said, adding that the sacking was totally due to political reasons as Pradeep has been critical of Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake’s policies.

Dr. Dewasiris, however, said if a probationary lecturer did not complete the masters within eight years they would first be made temporary lecturers, but the Jayewardenepura administration had decided to sack Pradeep straightaway.

Dr. Dewasiri said that a current Vice Chancellor of a university had not completed his masters for nearly 15 years, but the respective university had not sacked him. As a result he had become a Vice Chancellor. He said two months ago, the Sri Jayewardenepura administration had also sacked senior Professors Senevi Epitawaththa and Jinadasa Katupotha, just eight months prior to their retirement.

This was another unique example of politicising state universities under the present higher education minister, Dr. Dewasiri said.

"FUTA executive committee would meet this week to decide on a course of action against this political victimization," Dr. Dewasiri said.

When contacted by The Island, Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne denied accusations that the ministry was involved in removing university lecturers.

He said that if such things happened it was totally up to the university council and the ministry would not get involved in University Council decisions.

The Island made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Vice Chancellor of the Jayawardenepura University Prof. N. L. A. Karunaratne.