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| Sunday, 15 August 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Imposing law and regulations will not stop violence - Prof. Wijebandara
Prof. Chandima Wijebandara was recently appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura after serving as the acting Vice Chancellor for nearly seven months. The University was reopened for academic sessions two weeks ago after a month long closure following clashes between two student groups, which resulted in a student being stabbed to death. The new Vice Chancellor in an exclusive interview with Sunday Observer staffer Chamitha Kuruppu shares his views about the challenges faced by him, measures taken to maintain discipline among students and the present education system. Excerpts of the interview: Question: The uneasiness of students and frequent closures has become a common scenario in the University of Sri Jayawardenapura. What is the actual cause for this? Answer: It is not possible to point out one single reason for such a situation. But unlike in other universities - where there is only one student group and the clash is between them and the administration - in Jayawardenapura there are two student groups. The clashes were between these two groups. And the worst scenario is that the university administration always favoured one group and the other group was victimised by them. Therefore, the rivalry between the two groups became much stronger over the past. The administration too - despite taking measures to ease the situation - motivated students to create more problems. May be the administration believed in the 'divide and rule' theory. But it has created a problem that has become a menace to the entire university system. Q: What are the steps that can be taken to ensure proper maintenance of discipline among students and the smooth working of the university in the future? A: It was suggested to appoint a Deputy Vice Chancellor and a Proctor especially to look into discipline of students and to arrest violence. We are in the process of doing that. There is another committee headed by Secretary to the Ministry of Education Dr. Tara De Mel, which is also helping to maintain discipline among students. The present administration does not believe in strictly imposing law and regulations to arrest violence. There should be mutual understanding between student groups as well as the administration. We strongly believe that the clash between the two student groups should be solved first. Therefore, we are taking measures to help them to overcome the hatred and anger they have for each other. This cannot be done overnight. But we have come to a situation where the students are willing to discuss in order to solve problems, rather than using violence to meet their demands. Q: There is no doubt that the recent student clashes have disturbed the academic activities and the quality of education has come down as a result. What measures do you suggest to improve the quality of education at the university? A: The administration believes that the quality of education should be improved. We are looking forward to implement the recommendations made by the Chandra Embuldeniya Committee. Steps will definitely be taken to improve the quality of the present unit course system, where students are having enormous problems. Unfortunately the administration is unable to attend to that matter for the next three or four months. The immediate task is to restore normalcy inside the university premises and get the academic activities started. Until we achieve that, we will not be able to take any measures to improve the existing level of education. Q: There is a common complaint that the number of annual university intake should be increased. Do you agree? A: Expansion of the existing university education system has become a national requirement. But we should also understand that unlike in western countries, where higher education is treated as a `jewel', in Sri Lanka it is a mere requirement to obtain employment. If we are to increase the number of intakes, we should seriously consider which sectors, needs to be expanded and what skills should be developed. So such a move will benefit the student as well as the country. It is equally important to provide essential facilities like lecture halls with more space, qualified lecturers and hostel facilities. However, I strongly believe that we should first take measures to improve the standard of the local Graduate by improving their knowledge of English language, communication skills and global knowledge. Q: The Private Sector is of the opinion that the existing university education does not cater to the requirements of the private sector. How do you explain the gap between the private sector and the education system? A: If the private sector coordinates with the university system and is more supportive towards improving the existing system rather than complaining, it would have been easier to get things started. In other countries the private sector provides scholarships for students and helps set up doctorates in certain subjects. They have to stop the step-motherly treatment towards graduates. We have learnt that many local graduates are demoralised due to the ill-treatment in the private sector. Q: How do you see the program launched by the government to recruit 30,000 graduates to the public sector?. A: I think it is the need of the hour. Because, if there are 30,000 unemployed graduates in the country as they claim, it is a serious social problem. By implementing this program, the government is addressing the unemployment problem as well as many other social problems. Meanwhile, the training the graduates gain through this program will add more value to their educational qualifications. It will help them gain knowledge about the administrative and structural system of the public sector. Q: How do you see your new appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura ? A: It's a challenge. Becoming the head of Jayawardenapura campus is indeed a challenge. This was never in my dreams. When I was small I dreamt of becoming the Editor of Dinamina newspaper because I was very much inspired by journalism. Later on I wanted to become a Professor and when I fulfilled that, I thought I have achieved everything. Then I became the Dean of the Arts Faculty of this campus and was later compelled to serve as the acting vice chancellor which I did for over seven months. Now sitting on the same chair as the Vice Chancellor, I see many challenges. But with hard work, encouragement and especially with the support of my staff and students I can face that challenge. |
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