Prospects and problems of education

Top level discussions are going on regarding education problems in our country. With limited knowledge on the subject of education, I wish to submit a few facts for the consideration of the persons concerned.

The Special Committee on education appointed by the State Council in 1940 carried out an in depth study of a suitable education system for our country.

The problem before the Committee was to consider how a tailor-made education system for colonial rule should be changed to suit a regaining independent nation to meet its development needs, plans and programs. The Committee, in addition to the members of the Executive Committee on Education, consisted of the most eminent educationist of the time.

The principals of leading educational institutions, professors and lecturers of the University system were appointed to this committee.

The committee carried out its deliberations for four years and arrived at best proposals in regard to the Medium of Education, need for teaching of Religion in all schools and the need for Technical Eduction. Every person concerned about the education of this country should carefully study this report.

Dr C W W Kannangara, who was the Chairman of the Committee and Education Minister in the last State Council could not fully implement the recommendations during his term of office. Political manipulations at the 1947 Parliamentary Elections led to his defeat.

The parties interested in the nullification of the recommendations of the Special Committee had their day. They made use of sensational demands of extremist elements for ‘Sinhala Only’ and led to the neglect of English and distancing of the communities and ultimate arising of ethnic conflicts. We have to be thankful to this government for having taken appropriate steps to rectify this situation.

The Report of the Special Committee on education (Sessional Papers - 1943) should be the policy framework for any reforms. Any haphazard reforms will result in far reaching consequences.

Another matter that should receive the attention of the authorities is the International schools. These schools have been established with registration under the Companies Act and do not come under the purview of the Education Ministry. Legislations should be enacted necessitating these institutions to comply with the policy of the government. Otherwise, we will be saddled with a community of citizens who have not studied their mother tongue and religion, unfit to become responsible citizens of their own country.

The most challenging issue in the education system is the quality and attitude of the teacher population. Clear manifestations are a lack of a desirable sense of duty and dedication which is a hallmark of a successful teacher.

Teachers are a part of the output of the education system existed during the recent part. The education system is extremely limited to what is taught in the laid down syllabuses. Going through the daily newspapers develop essential knowledge to be a responsible citizen sensitive to the needs of society, development of morality and many other essential features which enrich the advancement of society and environment.

In this aspect, the teacher population should be encouraged to keep themselves updated. This could be achieved through periodical seminars, discussions and regular inspections. A competent program should be prepared by the Education Ministry and implemented through a proper mechanism. T S Eliot has said: Reading make a full man, Speaking a ready man and writing a perfect man.

D A Rupasinghe Pannipitiya