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Free education: A mythical dimension

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By I. P.C. MENDIS

We in Sri Lanka tend to very loosely refer always to the scheme of Free Education in the country. As for Free Education in proper perspective, nothing seems further from the truth, in the context of the open prevalence of private schools, both fee- levying and non-fee-levying, International schools, private Montessori schools, private tuition centres, private universities represented by agents of numerous foreign universities, and institutions, etc. Truly, aren’t we really consciously duping ourselves?

So, what indeed is all this fuss and fury about the Kotelawala National Defence University Bill? As at present, is there any assurance for any student entering University that he or she would be free of any harassment through excessive or indecent ragging; that he or she would be out of the University at the end of the prescribed term without the term being compulsorily extended by reason of closures due to student unrest? Could there be any assurance that students from recognized or reputed schools will not be discriminated against by others? Or those well versed in English are not ill-treated through the “Kaduwa ” mentality? Could there be any assurance that they are not compelled to beg on the streets and in public transport, for causes initiated by revolutionary parties or participate in demonstrations politically motivated? Could there be any safeguards against doing menial assignments as punishments for not doing the bidding of seniors or those of a particular political persuasion?

Could there be any guarantee that students enrolled under the free education scheme will be given preference over others for employment purposes in the private sector? What about those outside the free education scheme who are, in any case, free to sit for public examinations? Isn’t that privilege eating into the Free Education system? Could there be a dire need for private fee-levying educational institutions run by some teachers themselves (possibly now vociferously in the forefront against the KDU Bill), if the same effort is available in the school classroom? These are only a few of the obstacles and disadvantages faced by those under the jurisdiction of the University system presently under the UGC.

Free education per se is a misnomer. Yes, indeed, no fees are levied but charges like facilities and other fees are in place, accompanied by rampant corruption in admissions, etc., in vogue in many places. Tuition has become a ‘sine qua non’. Free Education did lose its glamour in its early stages, prompting Collette the cartoonist of yester-year to baptise it as the ‘Pearl of Great Price”! Regrettably, the Free Education Scheme as of now is a long shot from what was envisaged by the late Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara !

First things first, and the government has a sacred duty and responsibility of instilling discipline in Universities, which has been grossly neglected by successive governments. The present government feels that the KDU will be the ideal institution to make a start with its strict code of conduct, not necessarily of the military variety applicable to recruits to the armed forces. The government itself appears to have unnecessarily forced the pace to introduce the KDU Bill during this particular time of unrest among the Teachers’ Unions for a completely different cause. It has afforded an impetus to the likes of IUSF, influenced jointly by the JVP and FLSP, and the JVP itself in their protest campaign.

It seems prudent to take the wind off their sails and postpone the introduction of the KDU Bill till after the settlement of the problem with teachers. The FUTA which spear-headed the campaign against the Rajapaksa regime (pre 2015), demanding a funding of 6% of GDP for education and in virtual slumber during yahapalana, has awoken now like Rip-Van-Winkle, to oppose the KDU Bill. One would have expected the professorial types not to act selectively with bias in terms of personal political choices or preferences, but be consistent, independent and fair in their outlook.

 

Teachers’ Demands

Indeed, on the face of it, teachers seem to have a genuine grievance that an agreement reached some 24 years ago has still not been implemented by successive governments. It is a matter for conjecture as to why and how they were content to be at rest for over two decades, without agitation for implementation. Our law clearly stipulates that one cannot sleep over one’s rights and any responsible group of workers will not be patiently bearing up for over two decades unless there was a hitch. It would be interesting and indeed relevant to examine whether the said Agreement had been arrived at after due consultation with the Ministry of Public Administration, the General Treasury and the Department of Management Services. If not, deep trouble will result. There could possibly be a hitch in the solutions offered then as otherwise successive governments and the unions will not be bearing up for over two decades. Be that as it may, it may affect decisions taken subsequently in many other services, without such an Agreement being on the table, in which case ad hoc implementation at this stage sans examination of the effect it would have on the overall salary structure of the public service, would be disastrous for a trouble-free management and more-so for the tottering economy.

The government needs to tread extremely cautiously, not surrendering to blackmail and threats, if it is to act with due care and responsibility. Let what is immediately possible be granted and compromise solutions found for others. It is a moot point whether the teacher services could bear comparison directly with certain other public services, with glaring differences such as in hours of work, term holidays, time for private tuition etc. There is no doubt whatsoever that the demonstrations are politicized and interested parties seek to strike when the iron is hot.

 

Innocence Personified

It is well known that the unions, sponsored and backed by the JVP and Front-line Socialist Party, are in the fore-front of the demonstrations and much in sympathy with the demands. Their ‘modus operandi’ is to make political capital, embarrassing the government. It is an accepted fact that trade unions are a necessary, useful adjunct or concomitant of any political party. It has been so with the then more recognised political parties, such as the LSSP, CP and SLFP. The UNP being a rightist capitalist outfit realised it much later, and formed the JSS and even began celebrating May Day! There is, therefore , nothing to hide. Yet the JVP and FLSP seem to be unready to admit their influence and power over the IUSF and certain other outfits. A leader of a teachers’ union strongly in the fray appeared on the Swarnavahini talk-show ‘RATHU IRA” on Thursday, 29th July 2021, and while admitting his JVP connections dissociated himself with any influence or power over the union he was leading. One was tempted to tell him – “Tell it to the Marines”! Media interviews with the leader of the FLSP was no better. The “Iscole” teledrama on Derana TV depicts beautifully a JVP type teacher who trots about the school doing the minimum but upsetting the efforts of others, by always harping on “system change” derailing the equilibrium. They tend to use the unions to pressurize governments and achieve political ends. Most of the membership are unaware of these moves, as they tag hidden motives to wage or service demands, and the membership remains none the wiser, but elated at the support!

 

Political Advantage

It seems, according to what the teachers ’unions say, that 24 years ago certain assurances had been given but not implemented by successive governments. The law of the land says that one cannot sleep over one’s rights. Much water has flowed under the bridge since then, and the particular demands have to be considered in terms of current contexts if the demands are to be conceded, without up-setting the overall salary structures in the public service as a whole. Be that as it may, even to concede some, any responsible government has to be mindful of the effect on other services and the overall economy. Coming as it does from ” gurus” who are respected as “Gods” and who should know better, it is pure selfish and irresponsible for them to time their demand at this particular time, when everybody is worried about the raging pandemic, the economy is in a shambles, and on the edge of the cliff about to nose-dive into the depth of bankruptcy. Like in the Health sector where there was a chain reaction when nurses were given hand-outs, one can be certain as night follows day, there will be unrest among other categories as well. It is dangerous to make piece-meal adjustments which only a Salaries Commission could be equipped to do, after due careful overall examination and study. Let wiser counsel prevail!



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Opinion

In Loving memory of our Seeya – Late Mr W P Upasena

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Its been a year since you left us, and while the pain of your absence remains, so too does the warmth of your memory. There is not a day that goes by where we don’t think of you.

We are deeply grateful for the love, wisdom, and kindness you shared with us all. Your unwavering support, gentle guidance, selflessness, and extensive knowledge left an incredible mark on everyone who knew you. You were not only the cornerstone of our family but also a source of inspiration for all who crossed your path.

As we gather to honor your life, we extend our heartfelt thanks to friends, family, and well-wishers who have supported us over the past year. Your love, and kind words have been a source of strength and comfort during this journey.

Though you are no longer with us in person, Seeya you continue to live on in our hearts and through the values you instilled in us. We will continue to honor your life by cherishing each other and carrying forward your legacy of love, compassion, and integrity.

May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana, Seeya.

Fondly remembered by:
Achchi, Loving Children & Grandchildren

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Opinion

Major eyesore on Beira banks

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In the last decade or so the government, the private sector and even private citizens have made a concerted effort to beautify Colombo. And it has worked!

Yet, eyesores like the Jinarathana Vocational Center at 142 Sir James Peiris Mawatha exist. The building belongs to one of the most influential and revered temples in Colombo. Gangaramaya is also a major tourist attraction.

Not only is the building in disrepair, it is also a health hazard with garbage, rats and other infestations. Nefarious activities go on in the night, as it would in any “abandoned” building. It seems the building is used as a car park for the temple vehicles! Not only does this go against every Buddhist principle, but is this building on the banks of the Beira even legal?

Why does government after government keep donating public land to this temple, when it refuses to use or maintain the buildings it already has?!!

Podi Hamuduruwo – Venerable Galboda Gnanissara – as Chief Incumbent, transformed the temple into “a dynamic center of spiritual growth, education and community empowerment”. But he is no more. And if the temple is no longer able to use or maintain this structure according to the vision of the revered Podi Hamuduruwo, it is surely up to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and/or Colombo Municipal Council to take immediate action.

M. S. De Silva
Colombo 02.

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Opinion

A tribute to a quintessential friend and colleague

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Kuru as a cadet sergeant and Queen’s Scout meeting the Queen at India’s 1961 Republic Day.

A talented son of Sri Lanka, Dr. Mahinda Kurukulasuriya (1942-2025) passed away peacefully in Vientiane, Laos on 29 January 2025 – with his daughter Liza by his side. According to his wishes, a three-day memorial service was held in a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos.

Among close friends, he was fondly referred to as ‘Kuru” and as “Dr. Kuru” among his professional colleagues.

He was born in 1942 to a wealthy family in Nakulugamuwa. His father owned the Ruhunu Transit Bus Company that was nationalized in 1957.

Kuru had his Education at Mahinda College, Galle, where he excelled in studies, sports, and athletics. In 1961, as a Cadet and a Queen’s Scout, he had the rare opportunity to greet Queen Elizabeth II at the Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.

After a 13-year hiatus of losing cricket matches to Richmond College, in 1962, Mahinda College under Kuru’s captaincy won a memorable victory against Richmond.

In 1962, he won a Scholarship to pursue engineering studies at the Moscow State University. That same year, I met Kuru in Moscow, and we forged a friendship that lasted 65 years.

Kuru married his University batch-mate Elena – an amiable person who also completed her Ph.D. and the rare Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees along with Kuru. She predeceased him in 2015 leaving two equally brilliant daughters who live in Europe.

Kuru’s education abroad opened up the world for him to explore. Upon his graduation in 1968, he returned to Sri Lanka and worked for the River Valleys Development Board (RVDB). From 1971-1976, he and his wife Elena were appointed as water engineers in Zambia. They returned to Moscow and completed their Ph.D.’s. Kuru returned to Sri Lanka in 1979 and worked for the Mahaweli River Development.

Later, he worked on United Nations assignments as a senior engineer and Program Manager in Zaire, Congo, Maldives, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. He was fluent in English, Russian, French, Burmese, Khmer and Thai, and he excelled in his UN assignments.

In 2006, he garnered another Ph.D. from the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture of the Peradeniya University. Over the years, he wrote several books, including his memoirs “One Drop of my Sweet Sweat”.

Upon his mandatory UN retirement, the Government of Laos – aware of Kuru’s technical expertise, commitment and integrity – persuaded Kuru to lead several key development projects in Laos. It allowed Kuru to continue working with the perks of a UN official, and the Government took good care of him as he was away from his native Sri Lanka, and his beloved family. He had many Laotian friends.

Above all, he was kind and friendly to everyone he knew. Despite many achievements, Kuru was the most virtuous and unassuming person I came across in my life.

Kuru is survived by his sisters Indra and Lalita, daughters Angelika and Liza, and his wife Seuth and his son Souminta.

His family and friends will miss him dearly. Yet, we shall cherish his memory forever.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

Somar Wijayadasa

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