Create equal opportunity

The statement made by Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake that 80% of students entering the two foreign universities coming up in Sri Lanka will be foreign nationals, with only the remainder being local youth, is cause for concern.

According to reports over the weekend, the two foreign tertiary educational institutions are branches of universities in Japan and China. Construction of campus buildings is already underway for a branch of the University of Tokyo.

Addressing university entrants following a leadership programme in Diyatalawa, Dissanayake had said that the Government had an agreement with the two universities that placements would be given on an 80:20 ratio in the first five years. The Minister gave an assurance that the setting up of foreign universities would not adversely affect local students.

However, the very fact that a larger number of students will be from abroad is detrimental to local youth. One of the main reasons for allowing foreign universities into Sri Lanka is that the Sri Lankan economy can have transfer of latest teaching methods, more resources and technology. Depending on the size of the foreign universities local students will be benefited, but that number is not only limited by space but also by the money that their families possess. Given that Sri Lanka is such an attractive place for these universities, it is imperative that the Government demands a quota of scholarships so that talented local students will have a chance to gain a degree from these institutions.

The ideal of keeping higher education universal is a noble one and essential for inclusive and sustainable development. It cannot only be rich or foreign students who have access to recognised universities from overseas. These chances must be made accessible to underprivileged students. Under these circumstances, the assurance by the Minister that in 2016 the ratios will change holds little opportunity for present students.

The Minister had also stated that weightings would be adjusted so that four years hence, the majority of undergraduates at State universities will be studying for science degrees. At present, 53 per cent are arts students, 25 per cent commerce students and 22 per cent science students. By 2015, 50 per cent will be science students, 30 per cent commerce students and 20 per cent arts students. English will be the medium of instruction at State universities by 2013.

Heartening as this is, quality and the present job market must be taken into consideration. While it is true that arts students are the most unemployed, that does not mean that what they learn is worthless. There are many arts graduates who have found flexible and rewarding jobs. Moreover, the duty of higher education is not to only serve the job market, but ensure that a holistic person is produced so that he or she can serve the country in a myriad of ways.

The Government is encouraging foreign students to study in State universities in Sri Lanka. Initially, students from 34 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe are expected to enrol in local, State-run universities. This is due to the quota of foreign students being increased to 5%. Unless local students are given a chance to enter foreign universities irrespective of their bank balance and based more on their talent, the decision by the Higher Education Ministry to increase quotas is an unfair one. Simply earning money will not make the higher education system better.