University discipline - an urgent need

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

The idea of university education is an outcome of Imperialism during the pre-Independence era. Lack of a university in then Ceylon, was the force that guided Sir Ivor Jennings, the pioneer and founder Vice Chancellor to set up the first and the one and only university at Peradeniya. After assuming duties he made a thorough study and worked constantly to make his dream come true. finally he created a magnanimous seat of learning in the island at the time.

History

The university became the symbol of education of the elite in the colonial era. The system of education with prominence given to English was upheld to the highest standard and it was the highest academic discipline. It was in Colombo the capital city inaugurated in 1942 as University of Ceylon under the British, until the premises were prepared at Peradeniya.

Sir Ivor Jennings

On completion of the first phase mid 1952 saw the transferring of the university to Peradeniya as the first residential university-the first institution of its kind in the country with a special place in the university system today. - probably the most prestigious in whole of Asia. It was set up on the British university model (Oxford Cambridge) described as the best in U.K.

It was founded in a place where mother nature has gifted the most picturesque, amazingly serene and breathtakingly nice view all round. When stepping into the campus anyone could see the vision of the creator and the gifted architect Shirley de Alwis who beautified the place, for it's vastness, facilities and the scenic splendour.

The most impressive was his view that "the fundamental task of a university is to produce educated men and women". He toiled hard in his desperate attempt to carry forward the university on the path of perfection in which he did succeed before his departure.

Academic excellence

Being a residential university in it's true sense it was a perfect one. It consisted of seven academic faculties. The quality and the type and standard of education offered was marvellous.

To begin with the dedicated service of the pioneer was not single handed, he was ably assisted by a galaxy of professors and lecturers. they were much admired academics.

They had strong intellect to plan guide and lead the students. They were well-known among the under graduates for their efficiency and teaching skills. Their wealth of knowledge was directed towards student well-being. Mention has to be made of those who motivated a dramatic era giving the opportunity for the talented lot at Peradeniya both in English and Sinhala.

Peradeniya was perhaps without a rival in education, culture and drama coming down to the present era. The library was a true wonder supposed to be the best, cast of suez playing a vital role in their academic life. Sports too played an important role with the sports loving, participating in athletics and games in the newly constructed gymnasium. The university on the whole was a perfect wonder unfolding the majestic performance it rendered. One should be proud to state that it was able to offer a meaningful contribution to the entire student population. it was named as the best run university in the Asian region, with perfect discipline.

University network

University Peradeniya was the first institution of its kind regarded as a precious heritage of Sri Lanka. But with changing times the conditions also have changed. Though there is no visible change in the physical environment the privileges enjoyed by the earlier students are non existent now one may attribute it to the changing times and the rapid rise in population. Now Sri Lanka has witnessed the opening of quite a number of universities spread throughout the country.

It is said that there are 15 universities and 80,000 students occupying them. Obviously they may not be of the same high standard as the original at Peradeniya. But they should remember that the were built for their benefit. They were created for undergraduates bent on learning, culminating in the conferment of degrees in their respective fields of study. Proper undergraduates seek admission with only one aim in their minds, that of getting out with an educational qualification, certificate, refinement, exposure and dignity in keeping with their education. The second aim in their conscience, should be to oblige their anxious parents.

Student grievances

During the past few years there has been alarming incidents of misconduct and indiscipline. In recent times we have read with concern and surprise various news items and headlines regarding the above, more exciting than before. In some instances they have taken to violence. Even student murders had been committed in the universities. According to the media they had even gone to the extent of keeping a Vice Chancellor under house arrest. There are instances of causing damage to public property. Discipline is simply the capability to adhere to a code of ethics which should be carefully instilled into the minds to encourage the youth not to get involved in such activities continuous emphasis on the value of discipline and moral values would result in a better atmosphere.

Priority should be given to self-discipline and as university students they must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and be an example to the younger ones. They should be in their best behaviour for better results and better performance.

In view of the increasing indiscipline the reasons for discord and disharmony should be investigated into Discord arises through discontentment in some sphere, and due to greed for power position - above all the desire to be ahead of everyone else. They may not be getting the requisites for peaceful living. There could be shortcomings in their living conditions and welfare measures. Poor facilities (hostel) is one of the many reasons that deprive them of their right to proper living.

There was an instance where the students had requested for a written pledge to provide hostels within the premises as there was no proper security for outside hostels. Besides fulfilling their needs, the students do need the sympathy, care and the full attention of the higher authorities. Due recognition should be given to student problems and solutions found with mutual understanding effective solutions to existing problems and situations could be brought about only through the active participation of both parties.

Deciding what is good for the students should be arrived at, with the participation of the students, on a mutual basis. Students should be prepared to make a few scarifices for their own benefit. They should understand the simple truth that one has to be in his or her best behaviour for the successful completion of their studies and for the happiness of their innocent parents.

A more responsible task is left to the authorities and the government too. Admission criteria, a code of strict disciplinary rules to be followed on admission, course content, lecturing process the standard of exams and the general discipline on the whole, should be well regulated and monitored. Above all preference and prominence should be given to the academic calendar which is the most important for peace to prevail, so essential for the smooth running of the university network.

Clashes

The unruly extremist elements among the university population should not be allowed to have their own way. Clashes between rival student groups should not be tolerated and permitted.

The handful of trouble-makers should be identified and corrected for the greater good of the majority. Ragging should be totally banned and strict discipline should be maintained at all costs. Politics of any kind should not be entertained by student unions. Ragging should be eradicated, eliminated and banned.

The simple fun then known as ragging was first introduced by the pioneer who bequeathed the supreme gift - the (University) to Sri Lanka for the students to enjoy and rejoice their arrival to the campus in high spirits. It was meant as a form of familiarisation between the seniors and the newcomers termed freshers. Those of us who were fortunate enough to enter the university little after Jennings era, when it was at the height of her gloy, it was a pleasant surprise. Really and truly it was true fun wearing the dresses the other way, slippers the wrong foot, doing small jobs for the seniors.

They kept us in laughter getting us to imitate people, having innocent fun. The seniors were very particular about the schools where we entered. We were asked to give a self-introduction, sing and do various other things after which we all engaged in a sing song party.

Seniors showed their concern, warmth and love guiding us well where necessary. Ever since ragging was part and parcel of university life. We still have pleasant memories of stay at Peradeniya. Ragging introduced by the pioneer with the best of intentions was misunderstood, misused and mishandled by the subsequent generation of students, probably being ignorant of this sacred tradition.

It is a pity that ragging enjoyed by us in a refined manner has run into chaos and confusion in the universities islandwide. Under the present set up it has become a social problem, violating human rights, inflicting untold misery to the victims.

The inhuman acts simply cannot be put in black and white in this so-called Dharmadweepa. Ragging (the present day) the unlawful, inhuman behaviour the root cause of all the problems, should go away from our shores. After three decades of terrorism, terror in the universities too should be done away with.

I wish, pray and hope the vow of the Higher Education Minister will be fulfilled ever before three months.