Thursday, 10 July 2014 00:00
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Lack of practical problem solving through transparent discussion and compromise is threatening to derail two important sectors in Sri Lanka. One is the simmering dispute between nurses and midwives, while the second is the standoff with university teachers.
Both of these issues at some level have been caused by the Government. In the case of the nurses and midwives the Health Ministry decided to allow senior nurses to train as midwives, opening a can of worms that has resulted in walk outs endangering patients, and physical violence, with a midwife allegedly biting a nurse because of attempted strangulation. This particular incident sparked a walkout by nurses from the Ragama Hospital, but no steps have been taken to have meaningful resolutions to the contentious policies.
University teachers and students have been fighting the Government for their rights for years and the seesawing of violence has had no benefit to any side. Recently, the students of the Rajarata University took the Vice Chancellor hostage but there was little underlying discussion of the grievances that led to this act. While media reports have indicated some students have been let off the hook, it is merely a respite before another round begins.
And begin it will, as the university teachers gather on Friday to decide on trade union action. The Government had steadfastly ignored token strikes and previous promises, setting the stage for yet another damaging stalemate.
Budget allocations for healthcare and education continue to reduce each year. Not only is Sri Lanka well behind international norms for State investment in healthcare and education as a share of GDP, it is well below even South Asian standards. Continued interference, lacklustre policy engagement and meagre allocation of funds have crippled a once-celebrated sector.
Lack of transparent discussions and growing concerns over corruption will also make stakeholders insecure about approaching the Government for discussions. The prevailing attitude of distrust and belligerence has made many stakeholders lose faith in the Government. Policies are increasingly made behind closed doors and sprung upon the public with little notice. The recent rolling up of a commission headed by the Higher Education Minister’s son, to provide accreditation to private degree awarding institutions, is a case in point. The promotion of private universities is also another element in this brooding scenario.
Students, tired of being caught between a rock and a hard place, would probably welcome the option of getting an accredited degree at home. But without proper monitoring and standardisation, the hard-earned money of their parents could be wasted.
On a larger level Sri Lanka needs technology and knowledge transfer to foster economic growth. On the surface, that seems like an argument for private universities, but knowledge needs to be matched with intelligent minds; however at present the best crop is funnelled to public universities.
In such a morass of challenges, it is imperative that universal higher education and healthcare is guided along the ideals of fairness and equality, but past experiences do not bode well for the future. The Government continues to dole out small allocations for the sectors and has basically laid the foundation for repletion of mistakes that can easily spiral out of control.
