Features
Students with disabilities or universities with disabilities?
by Erandika de Silva
It was an unswept corridor with poor ventilation and no fans or air-conditioning, hellish in the scorching Jaffna weather. I see students with disabilities taking exams in the corridor outside of the New Exam Hall, in the Faculty of Arts, at the University of Jaffna. For four years, I was tormented by the sight of this spatial dichotomy: The exam hall was dedicated to students without disabilities who took exams in the comfort of fans (or more seldomly, air-conditioning ) while the corridor was the (un)official exam venue for visually-impaired students to whom the invigilators read out the paper aloud during the exam due to the unavailability of Braille transcribed exam papers. These students were placed in the corridor so that other students were not disturbed during the process. There is something fundamentally wrong with this. Why cannot these students be placed in a classroom instead of a corridor? And a larger question is why these students, along with others with disabilities, are excluded from university spaces?
Exam papers for visually-impaired students (in the Faculty of Arts) were not Braille-typed until 2023 when this concern was raised by one of my colleagues. Apparently, there was no policy or regulation, among the zillion exam by-laws and regulations that govern examinations at state universities, mandating exams to be transcribed in Braille for visually-impaired students. They had to listen to the invigilator reading out the paper, and then write down the answers to the questions. For instance, an exam where there was a question involving a comprehension passage, these students could not go back and forth between the exam paper and their answers. The only way to revisit the passage was by requesting the invigilator to read it out again. It is not as easy as it sounds. First, the student has to ask the invigilator to read out the question, recall the passage, recall the paragraph where the answer was [all while retaining the question in mind], request the invigilator to read out the paragraph/a couple of paragraphs, request to repeat if it was not clear or if they were not sure, retain the information in memory and formulate an answer. While other students can revisit the passage at any time, the level of effort these students needed to put into writing an exam was several times more.
Students with disabilities are given extra time to complete the exam but the assessment format, grading system or the rubric for marking is the same as those used for students without disabilities. It is fundamental that we recognize that the performance of these two groups of students in exams is incommensurable as long as assessment methods and formats are not redesigned to cater to the needs of students with disabilities.
Looking back, I remember my first encounter with a student with a disability at the University of Jaffna. It was a day when the elevator in the Faculty of Arts went out of order. Two students holding either side of a wooden chair carried another student upstairs just in time for class. This building does not have wheelchair accessibility and the elevator is the only way for students with mobility impairments to access the building. Due to accessibility issues, most students are unable to offer subjects that are taught in lecture rooms without disability accessibility. Related to this concern, most state universities in Sri Lanka do not even have disability accessible washrooms. At least, in Arts faculties we see students with disabilities. How many students with disabilities enter STEM courses? Like in many other middle- to low-income countries, STEM courses in Sri Lanka do not welcome students with disabilities. In fact, primary and secondary education systems are designed in such a way that they make it very, very difficult for students with disabilities to enter the science and technology streams.
Coming back to the anecdotes; what do they tell us? Who is the problem? Lack of funding for infrastructure development is the scapegoat for the lack of disability inclusion. But the problem is that the systems we live in do not recognize their systemic incapacities, and systemic and structural violence manufactures and reproduces disability. For instance, funds are made available for various events, including religious and cultural celebrations, all year long, but accommodation needs, such as disability accessibility washrooms, are either never funded or funded only by third-parties. Disability is not biological in that sense, but rather a social construct since the systems we live in do very little to empower persons with disability. The social institutions around us do not have built-in mechanisms to provide inclusive spaces, opportunities and growth for persons with disabilities. Disability comes in various forms and there is little thought or conversation about a ‘no detriment’ approach or the safety nets available to students with intellectual disabilities and special learning needs. ‘No detriment’ approach needs to be recognized as a student right that may help address situations that can negatively impact learning and assessment.
In my (limited) experience, both as a student and an academic in the Sri Lankan university system, I have not come across students communicating or reporting intellectual disabilities to lecturers. Again, even if there were students with such disabilities, I may not be privy to such information and, of course, why should I be? But the caveat is that even if students with physical disabilities are able to enter the higher education system, students with intellectual or learning disabilities barely make it to even high school levels of education. . The education system in Sri Lanka is rigged in such a way that it filters out students with intellectual or learning disabilities.
One of my friends who studied Engineering at a leading university in Sri Lanka suffered from narcolepsy. Perpetually failing his exams due to his medical condition and attempting suicide a number of times, it took nearly two years for him to get a diagnosis. There is no safety net or a ‘no detriment’ approach for the inclusion and academic success of such students. Will universities reverse their grades or provide alternative modes of assessment for the time they lose while struggling for a diagnosis? Although narcolepsy is not an intellectual disability, we could use it as an analytical lens to understand the challenges faced by students with disabilities.
Initiatives such as IncEdu (Developing Inclusive Education for Students with Disability in Sri Lankan Universities), a collaboration with three European universities and three Sri Lankan universities, have been introduced to the state university system. According to a flyer on the internet, their objective is “to maximize the opportunities for students with disabilities, ultimately reaching the apex of “full inclusion” in all fields…” The term “full inclusion” is vague and remains undefined in the flyer. A good start for universities might be to establish centres for disability inclusion both as student services and research centres to conduct needs assessments and to study disability inclusion to cater to students with special learning needs.
I had the shock of my life once when I attended a public guest lecture at the University of Jaffna, by a reputed professor who works on urban planning. When I asked a question about how town and country planners responded to disability inclusion in their work, his response was that requests for inclusion needed to come from those populations who required special inclusion. It may seem to make sense since, in the academy, we speak of representation and re-presentation and how one cannot speak for others, and that the need for representation should arise from those who need representation. Yet, the reality on the ground demands otherwise; once a city or building is built in a poverty-stricken country like Sri Lanka, there is little to no room for creating accessibility options later on. What is practical is for urban planners, architects and engineers to do needs assessments with relevant communities before they implement urban development projects instead of making persons with disabilities lobby for changes once cities and constructions are completed. Are Disabled Persons (Accessibility) Regulations of 2006 that set out standards for construction followed at all times?
Reverting to my topic on the lack of disability justice in Sri Lanka’s higher education system, my contention is that disability justice and inclusion ought to occupy a fundamental place in educational reform. Without any efforts for disability justice, education is just a hollow goal that widens the gap between the socially privileged and under-privileged, pushing persons with disabilities to further levels of marginalization. The problem is not students with disabilities but universities with disabilities; universities that are blind and deaf to the needs for inclusion of persons with disabilities.
(The author was formerly attached to the Department of Linguistics and English, University of Jaffna)
Kuppi is a politics and pedagogy happening on the margins of the lecture hall that parodies, subverts, and simultaneously reaffirms social hierarchies.
Will the Bangladesh parliamentary election bring into being a government that will ensure ethnic and religious harmony in the country? This is the poser on the lips of peace-loving sections in Bangladesh and a principal concern of those outside who mean the country well.
The apprehensions are mainly on the part of religious and ethnic minorities. The parliamentary poll of February 12th is expected to bring into existence a government headed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist oriented Jamaat-e-Islami party and this is where the rub is. If these parties win, will it be a case of Bangladesh sliding in the direction of a theocracy or a state where majoritarian chauvinism thrives?
Chief of the Jamaat, Shafiqur Rahman, who was interviewed by sections of the international media recently said that there is no need for minority groups in Bangladesh to have the above fears. He assured, essentially, that the state that will come into being will be equable and inclusive. May it be so, is likely to be the wish of those who cherish a tension-free Bangladesh.
The party that could have posed a challenge to the above parties, the Awami League Party of former Prime Minister Hasina Wased, is out of the running on account of a suspension that was imposed on it by the authorities and the mentioned majoritarian-oriented parties are expected to have it easy at the polls.
A positive that has emerged against the backdrop of the poll is that most ordinary people in Bangladesh, be they Muslim or Hindu, are for communal and religious harmony and it is hoped that this sentiment will strongly prevail, going ahead. Interestingly, most of them were of the view, when interviewed, that it was the politicians who sowed the seeds of discord in the country and this viewpoint is widely shared by publics all over the region in respect of the politicians of their countries.
Some sections of the Jamaat party were of the view that matters with regard to the orientation of governance are best left to the incoming parliament to decide on but such opinions will be cold comfort for minority groups. If the parliamentary majority comes to consist of hard line Islamists, for instance, there is nothing to prevent the country from going in for theocratic governance. Consequently, minority group fears over their safety and protection cannot be prevented from spreading.
Therefore, we come back to the question of just and fair governance and whether Bangladesh’s future rulers could ensure these essential conditions of democratic rule. The latter, it is hoped, will be sufficiently perceptive to ascertain that a Bangladesh rife with religious and ethnic tensions, and therefore unstable, would not be in the interests of Bangladesh and those of the region’s countries.
Unfortunately, politicians region-wide fall for the lure of ethnic, religious and linguistic chauvinism. This happens even in the case of politicians who claim to be democratic in orientation. This fate even befell Bangladesh’s Awami League Party, which claims to be democratic and socialist in general outlook.
We have it on the authority of Taslima Nasrin in her ground-breaking novel, ‘Lajja’, that the Awami Party was not of any substantial help to Bangladesh’s Hindus, for example, when violence was unleashed on them by sections of the majority community. In fact some elements in the Awami Party were found to be siding with the Hindus’ murderous persecutors. Such are the temptations of hard line majoritarianism.
In Sri Lanka’s past numerous have been the occasions when even self-professed Leftists and their parties have conveniently fallen in line with Southern nationalist groups with self-interest in mind. The present NPP government in Sri Lanka has been waxing lyrical about fostering national reconciliation and harmony but it is yet to prove its worthiness on this score in practice. The NPP government remains untested material.
As a first step towards national reconciliation it is hoped that Sri Lanka’s present rulers would learn the Tamil language and address the people of the North and East of the country in Tamil and not Sinhala, which most Tamil-speaking people do not understand. We earnestly await official language reforms which afford to Tamil the dignity it deserves.
An acid test awaits Bangladesh as well on the nation-building front. Not only must all forms of chauvinism be shunned by the incoming rulers but a secular, truly democratic Bangladesh awaits being licked into shape. All identity barriers among people need to be abolished and it is this process that is referred to as nation-building.
On the foreign policy frontier, a task of foremost importance for Bangladesh is the need to build bridges of amity with India. If pragmatism is to rule the roost in foreign policy formulation, Bangladesh would place priority to the overcoming of this challenge. The repatriation to Bangladesh of ex-Prime Minister Hasina could emerge as a steep hurdle to bilateral accord but sagacious diplomacy must be used by Bangladesh to get over the problem.
A reply to N.A. de S. Amaratunga
A response has been penned by N.A. de S. Amaratunga (please see p5 of ‘The Island’ of February 6th) to a previous column by me on ‘ India shaping-up as a Swing State’, published in this newspaper on January 29th , but I remain firmly convinced that India remains a foremost democracy and a Swing State in the making.
If the countries of South Asia are to effectively manage ‘murderous terrorism’, particularly of the separatist kind, then they would do well to adopt to the best of their ability a system of government that provides for power decentralization from the centre to the provinces or periphery, as the case may be. This system has stood India in good stead and ought to prove effective in all other states that have fears of disintegration.
Moreover, power decentralization ensures that all communities within a country enjoy some self-governing rights within an overall unitary governance framework. Such power-sharing is a hallmark of democratic governance.
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, romance, and affection, and this is how some of our well-known personalities plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day – 14th February:
Merlina Fernando (Singer)
Yes, it’s a special day for lovers all over the world and it’s even more special to me because 14th February is the birthday of my husband Suresh, who’s the lead guitarist of my band Mission.
We have planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day and his Birthday together and it will be a wonderful night as always.
We will be having our fans and close friends, on that night, with their loved ones at Highso – City Max hotel Dubai, from 9.00 pm onwards.
Lorensz Francke (Elvis Tribute Artiste)
On Valentine’s Day I will be performing a live concert at a Wealthy Senior Home for Men and Women, and their families will be attending, as well.
I will be performing live with romantic, iconic love songs and my song list would include ‘Can’t Help falling in Love’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Burning Love’, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, ‘The Wonder of You’ and ‘’It’s Now or Never’ to name a few.
To make Valentine’s Day extra special I will give the Home folks red satin scarfs.
Emma Shanaya (Singer)
I plan on spending the day of love with my girls, especially my best friend. I don’t have a romantic Valentine this year but I am thrilled to spend it with the girl that loves me through and through. I’ll be in Colombo and look forward to go to a cute cafe and spend some quality time with my childhood best friend Zulha.
JAYASRI
Emma-and-Maneeka
This Valentine’s Day the band JAYASRI we will be really busy; in the morning we will be landing in Sri Lanka, after our Oman Tour; then in the afternoon we are invited as Chief Guests at our Maris Stella College Sports Meet, Negombo, and late night we will be with LineOne band live in Karandeniya Open Air Down South. Everywhere we will be sharing LOVE with the mass crowds.
Kay Jay (Singer)
I will stay at home and cook a lovely meal for lunch, watch some movies, together with Sanjaya, and, maybe we go out for dinner and have a lovely time. Come to think of it, every day is Valentine’s Day for me with Sanjaya Alles.
Maneka Liyanage (Beauty Tips)
On this special day, I celebrate love by spending meaningful time with the people I cherish. I prepare food with love and share meals together, because food made with love brings hearts closer. I enjoy my leisure time with them — talking, laughing, sharing stories, understanding each other, and creating beautiful memories. My wish for this Valentine’s Day is a world without fighting — a world where we love one another like our own beloved, where we do not hurt others, even through a single word or action. Let us choose kindness, patience, and understanding in everything we do.
Janaka Palapathwala (Singer)
Janaka
Valentine’s Day should not be the only day we speak about love.
From the moment we are born into this world, we seek love, first through the very drop of our mother’s milk, then through the boundless care of our Mother and Father, and the embrace of family.
Love is everywhere. All living beings, even plants, respond in affection when they are loved.
As we grow, we learn to love, and to be loved. One day, that love inspires us to build a new family of our own.
Love has no beginning and no end. It flows through every stage of life, timeless, endless, and eternal.
Natasha Rathnayake (Singer)
We don’t have any special plans for Valentine’s Day. When you’ve been in love with the same person for over 25 years, you realise that love isn’t a performance reserved for one calendar date. My husband and I have never been big on public displays, or grand gestures, on 14th February. Our love is expressed quietly and consistently, in ordinary, uncelebrated moments.
With time, you learn that love isn’t about proving anything to the world or buying into a commercialised idea of romance—flowers that wilt, sweets that spike blood sugar, and gifts that impress briefly but add little real value. In today’s society, marketing often pushes the idea that love is proven by how much money you spend, and that buying things is treated as a sign of commitment.
Real love doesn’t need reminders or price tags. It lives in showing up every day, choosing each other on unromantic days, and nurturing the relationship intentionally and without an audience.
This isn’t a judgment on those who enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s simply a personal choice.
Melloney Dassanayake (Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024)
I truly believe it’s beautiful to have a day specially dedicated to love. But, for me, Valentine’s Day goes far beyond romantic love alone. It celebrates every form of love we hold close to our hearts: the love for family, friends, and that one special person who makes life brighter. While 14th February gives us a moment to pause and celebrate, I always remind myself that love should never be limited to just one day. Every single day should feel like Valentine’s Day – constant reminder to the people we love that they are never alone, that they are valued, and that they matter.
I’m incredibly blessed because, for me, every day feels like Valentine’s Day. My special person makes sure of that through the smallest gestures, the quiet moments, and the simple reminders that love lives in the details. He shows me that it’s the little things that count, and that love doesn’t need grand stages to feel extraordinary. This Valentine’s Day, perfection would be something intimate and meaningful: a cozy picnic in our home garden, surrounded by nature, laughter, and warmth, followed by an abstract drawing session where we let our creativity flow freely. To me, that’s what love is – simple, soulful, expressive, and deeply personal. When love is real, every ordinary moment becomes magical.
Noshin De Silva (Actress)
Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite holidays! I love the décor, the hearts everywhere, the pinks and reds, heart-shaped chocolates, and roses all around. But honestly, I believe every day can be Valentine’s Day.
It doesn’t have to be just about romantic love. It’s a chance to celebrate love in all its forms with friends, family, or even by taking a little time for yourself.
Whether you’re spending the day with someone special or enjoying your own company, it’s a reminder to appreciate meaningful connections, show kindness, and lead with love every day.
And yes, I’m fully on theme this year with heart nail art and heart mehendi design!
Wishing everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day, but, remember, love yourself first, and don’t forget to treat yourself.
Sending my love to all of you.
To create a powerful, natural, and hydrating beauty mask that soothes inflammation, fights acne, and boosts skin radiance, mix a mashed banana with fresh aloe vera gel.
This nutrient-rich blend acts as an antioxidant-packed anti-ageing treatment that also doubles as a nourishing, shiny hair mask.
* Face Masks for Glowing Skin:
Mix 01 ripe banana with 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel and apply this mixture to the face. Massage for a few minutes, leave for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off for a glowing complexion.
* Acne and Soothing Mask:
Mix 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel with 1/2 a mashed banana and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture to clean skin to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and hydrate dry, sensitive skin. Leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
* Hair Treatment for Shine:
Mix 01 fresh ripe banana with 03 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply from scalp to ends, massage for 10-15 minutes and then let it dry for maximum absorption. Rinse thoroughly with cool water for soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.
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