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| Friday, 11 February 2005 |
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Recently I witnessed a disgraceful performance of professionalism by the participants at the above talk show conducted by a TV channel, the subject being the certificate of higher medical studies issued by a reputed university in Russia to some members of SRAMO. Whilst the GMOA was trying to discredit the certificate as being phoney, the SRAMO was trying to defend its authenticity. The conduct of both parties of presumed professionals was unbecoming of the organisations and their membership they represented. The SRAMO representatives were ill prepared for the task at hand and were easy prey for their opponents. Knowing what the subject of the discussion would be, they should have had all the facts at their finger tips be ready to meet any and all challenges to their cause. If they did not know the answer at a particular point they should have said so at the onset and not try to bluff their way through it. The GMOA representatives only objective was to prove that the certificate was phoney and the way they were going about it brought back memories of politicians at an election rally. It would not take a rocket scientist to ascertain the authenticity of a certificate purportedly issued by a renowned seat of learning as the one that had issued the certificate. Make a telephone call, send an e-mail, send a fax or write a letter asking for clarification. Lest we forget, the right to higher education is a fundamental right of every individual. The GMOA being a premier medical association should be proactive in their approach and be an example to other organisations. It would be in their interest to propose, prepare and implement a course of higher studies in consultation with SRAMO and the Medical Council to meet their aspirations for higher studies. It is the lack of such a scheme which prompts them to look for alternative means. Let us get away from the typical Sri Lankan frog in the well mentality and live and let live. Look at the other disciplines of study such as Engineering, Accountancy, IT, Business Administration, Management, etc., they all have their degree courses conducted by the local universities and for those who were unable to get entrance to the universities, there are so many other options available to pursue their higher studies leading to a degree or more. It is also a fact that most professional organisations recognise experience in the particular field as equivalent to a particular period of study. Another issue which crops up is why the AMP course was discontinued. Would it not be a good alternative course of study for those choosing a medical profession? In the past, the only course of higher studies available in Sri Lanka was through our universities. It is not so any more and neither is it possible to prevent anyone from seeking and obtaining higher qualifications from internationally acclaimed learning institutions either locally or abroad. That is progress, it cannot and should not be stopped as it is good for Sri Lanka. Let us take off our blinders and think positive! MIAN F. JABIR - The Ceylon College of Technology at Katubedda was established in 1967, utilising the resources of the Institute of Practical Technology based on the report of the 'Commission of Inquiry on Technical education' in 1961. The most popular JTO program, well recognised by the industry, originated from the Technical College, Maradana and continued in Institute of Practical Technology, Katubedda. The Higher Diploma in Technology equivalent to a degree in Engineering and National Diploma in Technology (renaming of JTO) programs of the Ceylon College of Technology were designed to have an industrial bias with the inclusion of a compulsory period of in-plant training so that the College would produce an Engineer or Engineering Diplomat with practical training as an integral part of his study. The report on the Commission of Inquiry has mentioned that the University educated engineers should specialise in development, design and research and the 'Practical Engineer' should stand side by side to implement and give effect to schemes evolved by the former. The class of 'practical Engineer', by his training becomes capable of handling the day-to-day engineering work of the community and of meeting normal needs of engineering enterprises, sooner than his university counterparts. It is rather unfortunate that due to short sighted policies, the Ceylon College of Technology was converted into another traditional University rather than to a Technological University disregarding the report on Commission of Inquiry which was prepared on survey carried out on industry requirements and University and Technical Education requirements. In developed countries when a polytechnic institute is upgraded to a University they continue to conduct the diploma level programs and Degree programs side by side within the same premises but unfortunately this cannot be implemented in Sri Lanka as the decisions are not taken by correct authorities but by few individuals in the academic staff whose negative attitudes can never be changed. The conversion into a University was implemented with the blessing of the few academics that are only interested in getting the recognition for their promotion and enjoy the perks under university system but not cared to deliver the needs of the industry. It is the accepted norm that for each Graduate Engineer produced four Engineering Diplomats are needed by the country. It is rather unfortunate that policy planners have not paid attention to develop technical education to meet this requirement in the industry where the actual output maintained at present is only one is to one ratio. Since NDT program is established under separate institute, it is necessary to revise and update the curriculum to meet the industry requirement. Nowhere has it been stated NDT course should not be revised. It is up to the authorities of ITUM to decide on this matter and not for the students to interfere on academic matters. It has been observed that the people whom the council has appointed to report on NDT certificate had not submitted their own independent recommendation. The recommendation was made only after obtaining the approval from the undergraduates on their acceptance on the draft certificate which naturally challenges the credibility and impartiality of the committee. It is now very clear that few academics who had roots at engineering institution setting up students and engineers at the university and institution respectively against NDT students to achieve their personal agenda. It is high time students of both sides to be educated on this matter and advised not to fall into such instigators' trap. The main issue at UOM is that these academics wanted to find more accommodation to conduct fee levying programs on Post Graduate Studies and other external programs which benefit them financially. Time has come for the authorities to appoint a committee consisting of independent educated personnel to study and make recommendation on optimum utilisation and sharing of resources to conduct both programs uninterrupted. It is also necessary to identify and take action on staff that does not cover the minimum number of hours of teaching but get enough free time for their private work and to instigate innocent students. Authorities should either reduce the number in the excess cadre or transfer the excess staff to other universities. It is observed that when donor assistance was requested to put up new buildings, the project proposals provided to conduct programs for both NDT and undergraduate programs in the same buildings. How come the space is now not available for NDT students on completion of buildings? Can we justify such irresponsible statement? Since budgetary allocation for university education is provided from tax payers' money, people in this country have the right to know the true picture of the situation. If immediate action is not taken, the Treasury might curtail the allocation to the university in future as no Government is prepared to fund for unproductive programs not required by the country. This will be a problem for future sustainability of the university and this might have an impact on free education enjoyed by students at present. G. GUNARATNE - One will have to look sharp when travelling on the road. A shocking incident follows. An open manhole nearly took the life of a friend of mine. She was returning home after work in a three-wheeler when like a shot from the blues the 3-wheeler went into an open manhole and she was thrown on to the road and had hit her head on the road causing head damage and severe vomiting and was rushed to the accident service where she was admitted. What a crime this is that accident could have been fatal all because of an open manhole. I heard that some twigs had been put yes, oh, yes 'after' the accident. Absured - What was the use? Bad damage had already been done. Really what could be done to rectify these mishaps. I really cannot say what could be done but something has to be done for the safety of the general public. This accident took place on Tuesday, January 25, around 5.30 p.m. near Wijerama, Bullers Road. My friend is ordered to take complete bed-rest as she is still not well at all, but I thank God that she is saved - she is a good devout Christian - So she was saved - but the question still remains? What could be done to prevent such accidents - not to attend to it 'After', do what has to be done berore. YUONNE F. KEERTHISINGHA - Constructing a home for those affected by the tsunami disaster will take at least 6 months. My suggestion is that they be provided with discarded metal containers 20' and 40' mounted and made into dwellings. I have seen these containers constructed as a 'Container City' in England. UK is a rich country but they have provided cheap comfortable accommodation for the not-so-rich sector of their population. In Sri Lanka, these containers could possibly be obtained free, or at a very nominal cost from shipping companies, considering our present situation. They can be very comfortable accommodation for these displaced folk who sometimes lived in 10'x 15' shacks. I know that there will be some people who will discourage this proposal with various plans but without doing anything. Houses can be constructed, but this can go side by side immediately. P. G. W. RODRIGO - |
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