University education to be broad-based - Minister Warnapala
Rohan MATHES
COLOMBO: Higher Education Minister Prof. Vishva Warnapala asserted
that University education would never ever be privatised but would be
broad-based in line with modern trends of education with the formulation
of a ‘Development Oriented’ policy for higher education.
Addressing journalists at the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the
Government Information Department in Narahenpita yesterday, Minister
Warnapala stressed that the frequently misinterpreted and misleading
slogan of ‘Privatisation of Universities’ was a myth.
Nevertheless, he said that we ought to move with the contemporary
global trends and ascend from a primarily and absolutely undergraduate
education to a postgraduate education system based on quality and
relevance.
“We have maintained a ‘Social Demand’ model of education since 1944.
We should now formulate a ‘Development Oriented’ policy framework for
higher education in order to be able to accommodate more qualified
students who also aspire to a higher education.
We must broad-base and expand the framework to include learning and
research education as well. We now propose to expand the ‘Distance
Learning’ mode of education.
We will also enhance and develop infrastructural facilities available
in all universities, regardless of their regions,” he said.
Outlining the present local university structure Prof. Warnapala said
that we have a vibrant university structure which is comparatively even
ahead of India.
However, it only caters for little over 17,000 selected students from
about 90,000 students who have qualified for a university education from
around 210,000 students who sit for the Advanced Level Examination.
Prof. Warnapala reiterated that despite the ongoing
politically-oriented agitation opposing the ‘Anti-Ragging’ legislation
which was unanimously passed in Parliament in 1998, the Government will
never ever lift this ban in the interest of the universities which are
strictly ‘Learning Centres’.
Responding to a query from a journalist regarding the unwarranted
drain of foreign exchange out of the country from Sri Lankans seeking
higher education overseas, Minister Warnapala said that Sri Lankans
spend around US Dollars 46 million annually for higher education abroad,
despite the Government’s efforts to enhance the prospects of higher
education locally with increased spending on education.
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