President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the University Academics’ Conference, themed “Transforming Sri Lanka’s Higher Education Towards a Developed Nation” recently. He engaged with university dons and responded to their inquiries on various issues during the event. The discussion included the management of the Buddhist and Pali University, the timeline for implementing the National Higher Education Development Commission, and the integration of creative arts in higher education reforms.
Buddhist clergy and Buddhist and Pali University
Under the new higher education reforms, how do you plan to manage the Buddhist and Pali University?
President
The primary decision we face is whether to keep the Buddhist and Pali University exclusively for bhikkhus or to continue admitting laypersons as well. The university was originally established by President J.R. Jayewardene, with our collaboration, specifically for the monastic community.
However, the admission of lay students has introduced some confusion. Once we clearly define the university’s original purpose and align it with our current objectives, it will be easier to offer the necessary support.
Last year’s events brought several significant issues to light, so we must carefully consider these before moving forward. My commitment is to develop the university as it was envisioned at its founding, but these issues must be addressed first.
Buddhist Clergy Buddhist and Pali University
We are currently operating within the 2024-2034 period, but the new education reforms were designed for 2023-2033. The 10th Educational Reform is being implemented in Sri Lanka. I have two key questions regarding these reforms. First, will the entire educational process be transferred from the central Government to the Provincial Councils? Second, Sri Lanka has 17 national universities. Have any decisions been made under the new educational reforms concerning funding for these universities, particularly in relation to the student-to-funding ratio?
President
School education is governed by national policy, and the National Institute of Education, along with teacher education, is a national responsibility. However, under the 13th Amendment, schools and their management fall under Provincial Councils.
Each province is required to establish a Provincial Education Board under the Constitution. But this hasn’t been done, leading to conflicts between the central Government and provincial institutions. We need to establish these boards, reform the system, and then work on improving it.
The central Government should maintain an inspectorate, similar to systems in other countries.
For example, in the United Kingdom, a non-federal country, regional councils manage education.
In many nations, local councils are responsible for education. I believe provincial councils should manage schools, while curriculum and examinations remain centrally controlled. If we don’t get this balance right, we can’t improve our schools. Implementing this system won’t be something entirely new.
Regarding national universities, we need to discuss funding allocation, determine the best way to manage percentages, and develop future strategies. Should we fund universities based on student numbers, or should funding be directed to students, allowing them to choose which State university they attend?
These are crucial questions we need to address. The Constitution also permits Provincial Councils to establish degree-awarding institutions. If approved by the commission we establish, new universities could be created.
This Commission should govern both private and public universities. We should allow institutions to generate revenue through their own activities and provide opportunities for Provincial Councils to support existing institutions.
For example, why shouldn’t the North Central Provincial Council support Rajarata University, or the Uva Provincial Council assist Uva Wellassa University? We should choose the best approach to address these issues.
Prof. Prasanna Premadasa Dean Faculty of Technology General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Could you kindly share with us the anticipated timeline for the implementation of the National Higher Education Development Commission?
President
Before providing a specific timeline, a public consultation is necessary. Following that, the proposal must be debated and approved in Parliament. Once these steps are completed, implementation won’t take much longer. However, I believe there should be a period for public discussion on the various proposals, as they have sparked significant debate.
Mitchell Jayawardena, BMS Campus
It is observed that around 3,000 people commit suicide annually in Sri Lanka, many of whom are university and school students. Under the new reforms, has any national policy or strategic approach been introduced to address this issue?
President
Mental health has become a significant issue, especially among younger generations. In this technological age, many urban dwellers suffer from mental stress. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on this. The health and education sectors will need to make significant efforts to address it.
Prof. V Kanagasingam, Vice Chancellor, Eastern University
A major challenge for State universities is the high cost of housing outside the university, which many students find unaffordable. Would it be possible to provide a housing allowance of at least Rs. 2,000 or Rs. 2,500 in addition to the Mahapola scholarship to help students secure suitable accommodation?
President
My first priority is their nutrition. Once I am assured that they are well-nourished, we can focus on everything else.
Ravindra Chandrasiri University of Sabaragamuwa
I would like to draw your attention to the educational needs of students in the plantation sector. They require technical and mathematics education, as well as vocational training in the Tamil medium. It would be beneficial if we could establish at least one vocational training institute in Tamil in Ratnapura and Deniyaya. This would help us not only improve their education but also their future prospects.
President
With the implementation of these new educational reforms, we will be able to address these needs. Once the new system is established, the Provincial Council can decide where vocational colleges should be located. I don’t think this will be an issue, but there need to be centralised institutions. As we develop commercial towns and strengthen the economy, these facilities will become available to you. You will need to work towards this as well.
Prof Rohan Nethsinghe, Vice Chancellor University of Visual and Performing Arts
My question concerns the role of creative arts in the higher education reform process. As we consider modern education, it’s clear that while technology is receiving significant attention, the aesthetic and educational value of the arts seems to be underemphasised. There appears to be a lack of integration of creative arts within the current framework. I would like to suggest that we place greater emphasis on this aspect in our reforms.
President
I believe a market should be created for creative arts. This is not happening sufficiently in Sri Lanka. If there is no market demand, it is impossible to sustain the arts. We need to consider what role the arts council can play in addressing this issue.
Translated by Sachitra Mahendra
