1. Being discovering advanced schooling sector as a one of key factors that chooses future of any country, maximization of opportunities for advanced schooling is prime aim of any federal government. Today population is considered as a secured asset for a country and children is the most crucial segment of the population. Every year thousands of youth enter in to the countrywide work force and it is beneficial to both specific and nation to provide those children with right skills to make the united states. Identifying skills and weaknesses of every individual and polish their skills with right knowledge should be the main goal of higher education institutes. For example 2/3 of college leavers of Taiwan enter to vocation training corporations and gain necessary skills and knowledge which laid strong groundwork for the fast development of Taiwan.
2. Assessing to other under-developed countries, more than 90% of Sri Lankans gain their primary education. However regarding to statistics released by University Offer Payment out of school leavers from G. C. E Advance Level Examination, only between 20 000 and 22 000 meet the criteria to enter universities in every year. Quite simply minimal than 2% of participants of G. C. E Advanced Level Examination are selected for universities. It is clear that current ratio of entering universities is not sufficient to add the development procedure for country. That is one of major reasons, which causes to decrease the development of
Country. Even one of the modern measurements of calculating progression of the country is ratio of entering advanced schooling corporations. Now it is become a national level issue and various options are advised to resolve this using up problem.
3. One of the alternatives that are recommended to solve this issue is the opening private colleges in Sri Lanka. Situation for opening private colleges in Sri Lanka is examined from various aspects (advantages, negatives) and summarizes the studies is the key objective of this paper.
AIM
4. The perfect goal of this newspaper is to evaluate the "opening private colleges in Sri Lanka" from various aspects and lastly present recommendations because of this issue. Today this subject becomes common issue among many professionals, academics, intellectuals and many other people. However proper evaluation on "opening private universities in Sri Lanka" is not done yet and this effort is to investigate the problem for private universities in Sri Lanka. Countless ideas and suggestions are forwarded by various people regarding this subject. Each one of these ideas and recommendations are analyzed and streamline common solution which may be acceptable for all those parties.
5. First current situation is witnessed and main points are determined. Next advantages and disadvantages of opening private colleges are recognized. Findings of above phases are summarized and finally recommendations are presented based on conclusions. Thus proper evaluation on the topic of "opening private colleges in Sri Lanka" is expected to present achieving the principal objective of this paper.
THE PRESENT SITUATION OF SRILANKAN UNIVERSITY
6. The first modern college or university of Sri Lanka was "University of Ceylon" which was set up in 1942 with its first campus in Colombo and second campus in Peradeniya later. In 1972 "University of Ceylon" was become "University of Sri Lanka". Later Colombo campus is become "University of Colombo" and Peradeniya campus become "University of Peradeniya". Consequently "University of Jaffna" and "University of Ruhuna" were started. Some Peruvians were also become colleges such as University of Kelaniya and etc. All these universities are managed by University Grants or loans Payment (UGC) of Sri Lanka. Each one of these universities are controlled as condition own entities and there are many problems in these colleges. Due to limited resources available in these universities, it is impossible to accommodate all students who move the G. C. E. (A/L) Exam. So that area wise selection method is employed to choose undergraduates for colleges. Thus students who perform very well at the G. C. E (A/L) Examination only get chance to type in universities. Because of this district wise selection students in districts like Colombo and Kandy need higher brings about the G. C. E (A/L) Examination where as students in less develop districts need lower markings to be certified for university entry. Although nearly 500 000 students are participated for G. C. E (A/L) exam only around 20 000 students are experienced to enter colleges. Because of this situation, many other are forced going for other tertiary educational options.
7. Despite the fact that some are certified to enter colleges, appropriate undergraduate course can't be selected as they want and they have to check out the course given by UGC and in confirmed university. This may lead to waste products in born skills of undergraduates and force them to get started on their career they do not interest.
8. Apart from the national universities, few tertiary educational organizations are operated by the federal government such as Open up University of Sri Lanka, various complex universities and etc. Semi governmental companies like Sri Lanka Institute of IT (SLIIT) are handled under Ministry of Vocational Trained in Sri Lanka. Another option available
for university leavers is the fact register for exterior degree programmers conducted by condition universities. Such as this higher education sector including universities are under manipulated of the government either directly or indirectly. Most importantly it could be observed that though limited financial support is provided to colleges through various cash such as Mahapola Trust, self applied funding is necessary for the students in other vocational institutions.
9. Due to limited possibilities for advanced schooling sector in Sri Lanka, many leave for international universities and universities in UK, Australia and USA become most popular places among Sri Lankan students. Considerable percentage of undergraduates including who can secure local college or university popularity now go for international universities and this cause to lost of massive amount foreign exchange to country. Unlike Sri Lankan universities, which calls for 4-5 years for BSc Level, normal three years degree programmes are offered by foreign universities & most significantly curriculum of the classes of foreign universities are update and highly relevant to the industry. This situation causes create big distance between graduates of local universities and graduates of overseas universities. Although going for foreign universities is one option for Sri Lankan students it would not be affordable for most of undergraduates as significant amount of money is needed. In Sri Lanka levels are provided by institutions in cooperation with foreign colleges such as APIIT and various exams conducted by professional systems are also designed for Sri Lankan students such as CIMA for Accounting, BCS for Computing and etc. However, both these options are also expensive, as cost should be payed for relevant foreign university or college or professional body too.
10. In Sri Lankan job market, it could be noted that there are few fields which have demand for graduates particularly Information technology, Accounting, Rules and etc. This leads many graduates to be unemployment and unemployment rate boosts to 5. 9% which causes to reconsider suitability of the higher education again. The suggestion of "opening private universities in Sri Lanka" is come to stage in such environment. It is explained that local undergraduates can complete diplomas at less expensive and build up their careers in their chosen areas. Most of all unlike state colleges designed to use old curriculums that are out of date, private universities have the capability enough to provide up-to-date knowledge and make a suitable employees for country.
Career Route for Students in Current Higher Education System
Pass
Pass
Pass
Degrees in Country wide Universities (Internal Students)
University Entrance
G. C. E A/L
G. C. E O/L
Degrees in National Universities (Exterior Students)
Foundation Course/ Professional certification / Work Experience
Degrees in Start College or university of Sri Lanka
Tertiary & Vocational Requirements in public areas Training Institutions
Professional Qualifications Equivalent to Degree
Degrees awarded by Sri Lankan Private Institutes
Degrees awarded by Foreign Colleges through Local Institutes
Degrees granted by Foreign Universities in Foreign Countries
Figure 1: Profession route for students in current advanced schooling system
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ADVANTAGES OF Starting PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
11. There are several advantages of opening private universities in Sri Lanka. Both immediate and indirect benefits can be relished by various gatherings and let us see one by one in details.
a. Degree can be completed at Lower Cost. Certifications can be offered by lower cost comparing to other universities because assessing to the countries like Australia and etc cost of education is lower in Sri Lanka. This enables undergraduates to complete their degrees at lower cost and save their money.
Up-to particular date Curriculum. Unlike status colleges in where old curriculum can be used, regular updated curriculum can be taken care of in private colleges. As fee is charged, enough money is designed for private universities to revise curriculum. Among major reasons of rejecting status colleges from Sri Lankan junior is their old curriculum, that are not modified for even 10 years. Due to this reason, there is a trend of leaving universities by those who trained to enter colleges.
Industry Relevant Level Programs. As curriculum is modified, you'll be able to align knowledge and skills provided in the courses with the current requirements of the work markets. So that those who would be graduated with necessary skills and knowledge levels that fulfill industry requirements, can easily find employment. Thus following industry relevant degrees unemployment can be reduced & most importantly useful employees for country can be produced.
Free to Select Degree Programmes. It is not possible to choose the degree program as student would like in current system and students should be enrolled to the course, which is given by UGC. This might leads to choose scholar to course which completely distinction with skills of particular learner and lastly what happen is the fact student is required to go into new field which particular university student could not want to
Enter. In order that such graduates might be lost in industry and whole career would be unsuccessful. However in private colleges situation is completely different and college student can enrol to ideal degree programmes which are matched with the skills and career expectations.
Wider Range of Courses. Few programs are conducted in point out universities and most of these courses are not well suited for current requirements of the sectors. For example those who follow physical knowledge degrees in state colleges, have to go for careers in other areas. But new training which are matched up to current requirements can be conducted and fresh things like jewellery design, logistics and etc can be unveiled through private universities.
Flexible Analysis Options. Both full time and part time level programs can be conducted in private universities which allow undergraduates to work while studying. This is one of biggest advantage of private universities because finally when pupil is graduated after three or four 4 years he would provide with work experience and such graduates can simply go for better employment opportunities. Alternatively being working scholar can self finance their lessons which would be great benefits for them.
More Resources can be employed. As cost is costed, resources which are necessary to degree programs can be provided for undergraduate students in private colleges. Limited resources are available in state colleges as government universities are totally depended on money provided by authorities. So that even basic resources are not designed for students of federal government colleges. But resources can be provided in private colleges as charge is charged out of every student.
More Space in Express Universities. If private universities are opened, it can be expected that portion of students who are qualified to enter state universities, will move to private universities. So the space will be created in talk about universities and it could be filled with students are in next lines. Thus this allows more students to be graduates.
Money is Saved for Country. It is learnt that huge money is transferred out on a yearly basis from the Sri Lanka consequently of going in another country for studies. It is reported that almost $ 60 million is spent annually for research abroad by Sri Lankan students. If private colleges are opened in Sri Lanka, significant amount of the money can be kept within country.
No other Costs for Students. Various expenditures such as air ticket costs, living expenses and etc need to be included in those who move for foreign studies. This gives large additional cost for students. But if private universities are opened, all these additional costs could be taken away or reduced.
Revenue Generate Through Foreign Students. If private colleges can be set up successfully, foreign students can be drawn. Providing education is utilized as you of main resources of income in countries like Malaysia. This is done in Sri Lanka too which is possible to generate income to country via private universities.
Beneficial for Academics, Professors. Benefits of opening private universities can be relished not only students but also various academics like lecturers, professors and etc. It really is concerned that lecturers will not get enough earnings and other advantages from state universities. One of the better solutions to solve this problem is the fact getting their contribution for private colleges. Visiting lectures can be carried out and most significantly unlimited resources can be utilized for studies of academics in private universities.
DISADVANTAGES OF OPENING PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
12. Although beginning private universities can be good solution increase capacity of advanced schooling opportunities, one of the primary questions is the fact that for how many people this would be affordable. Paying fees for 3 or 4 4 years might be doubtful for certain students. In Sri Lanka 22% people are under the amount of poverty. So there may be question whether opening private colleges would be affordable for certain levels of community.
No Proper Regulators to Assure Quality of Education. Polices to measure and monitor the grade of education is private colleges are not setup yet. It's important to keep an eye on quality of higher education because future of young ones is depended on it. So mechanism to keep an eye on and supervise quality of private college or university is crucial and most significantly such rules must have the ability to work autonomously. In any other case reputation on university education of Sri Lanka might be harmed badly.
Getting Jobs for Graduates Will be More Difficult. As more and more graduates are produced, tournaments for jobs are higher. Employers have significantly more choice and subsequent results would be further increase of unemployment which might lead for youngsters unrest.
Social Issues. Strong objections for starting private universities can be noted from various celebrations of the modern culture. Several protests and promotions are conducted against opening private colleges by part of students of express universities. Even consensus cannot be come to by intellectuals of the country and some stands for opening private universities while others oppose to it. This situation can create attitude within country that private colleges are bad for country.
SUMMARY
13. Review which is carried out on beginning private colleges in Sri Lanka, shows major issues which should be resolved immediately. Radical change is necessary in advanced schooling system in Sri Lanka which would be able to produce graduates who are ideal to enter nationwide work force. Although radical change is need, it is clear that authorities struggles to provide necessary resources such as financial and real human capital. Alternatively long time is required for government interfere for advanced schooling system as all procedures have to be standardized (first function should be approved, then circulars should be released and etc). So that flexibility which is vital to cater requirements of both young ones and national market sectors, is difficult to find in such interfere of federal.
14. Suggestion of beginning private colleges is come to stage on such earth conditions which is welcome by many parties as enough flexibility are available in that recommendation. More resources can be utilized by involved celebrations for private colleges unlike limited potential of government to build up universities. Therefore the suggestion of starting private colleges is looked optimistically by various people. For instance parents think their children can complete diplomas at less expensive. Thus various sets of the united states look forward about this proposal. However in current context of Sri Lanka there are several issues which are would have to be clarified before moving to establishing private colleges. Even legal grounds for private universities are not cleared at the moment for example there exists question of validity of medical diplomas which would be offered in private universities in Sri Lanka. Because it very complex process of validating diplomas like MBBS, first of all legalities should be cleared.
15. Then other issues should be studied into account as all tips should be cleared. There is certainly good side as well as bad part of starting private universities in Sri Lanka. It is learnt that currently several viewpoints regarding this matter are indicated by different sets of society. So it is vital for taking ideas and ideas from various celebrations including current university students, academics, lecturers, professors, community and etc. After carefully analysis of ideas and ideas, final consensus on this suggestion can be searched for.
RECOMMENDATIONS
16. Key objective of the service newspaper is to recognize recommendations for beginning private universities in Sri Lanka and to achieve this aim first current situation is examined and then advantages and disadvantages are observed. Finally, tips can be recognized and those suggestions can be split into two categories, particularly long term and short-term. Long term tips that happen to be covering broaden opportunity, are designed for amount of more than 5 years where as short term tips will be more specific and developed for shorter period.
a. Long-term recommendations.
Establish National Coverage for Starting of Private Universities. First of all national coverage for opening private universities in Sri Lanka should be motivated. Quality of education could be reduced scheduled to regular changes in insurance plan towards private colleges. It is therefore essential to build stable national insurance policy on beginning private colleges. All condition which should be satisfied to wide open private universities should be identified such as up from what level government can interfere.
Establish a definite Legal Environment. Legalities regarding private universities and certifications offered should be cleared. Otherwise students of private colleges would need to stop their studies after doing one or two 2 years. There are issues on validating various degrees. Such that it is necessary to clear all these legal issues before moving to private colleges.
Determine Selection Method of Students for Private Colleges. This very important because it is clear that Sri Lankans cannot manage fees of private universities. Because of this reason, private universities might be limited to few sections of the society. So it necessary to establish impartial selection method to ensure all Sri Lankans can get maximum use of private universities. Various activities can be studied to ensure that Sri Lankans have advantages of private colleges such as part of the entrance to the private universities can be carried out based on the G. C. E. A/L results, offering various scholarships for needy students and etc.
Set up of Monitoring System for Quality Guarantee. Quality of the training of private universities must be assured in various aspects. First quality of diplomas offered should be assessed. Then quality of learning methods, examinations should be measured, and then skills of lecturers should be viewed. Like this quality of education should be measured in every aspect in case private universities cannot be satisfied necessary quality benchmarks monitoring mechanism should be strong enough for taking actions against particular universities. It is therefore must to establish unbiased body to screen quality of private colleges.
Set up of Self-Funding System for Students. Countries like United Kingdom offers special loan facilities for students to pay university fees. Such loan strategies can be presented to Sri Lanka too. So that financial support can be provided to needy students.
b. Short-term advice.
Determine degree programmes for private universities. One of main goals of opening private colleges are that produce graduates who are
Suitable for current requirements of nationwide work force. Demand for graduates in certain areas can be notified such as IT, Law, Technical things and etc. Identifying such fields and introducing more and more certifications in such fields should be done immediately. Industry related courses, which are appropriate to fulfil current requirements of employees, can be known through useful talk with necessary functions.
Determine the Support should be Supplied by State Universities. Deciding up to what level support is provided by express universities for initiative of private universities is vital. Both talk about and private colleges can be benefit when there is cooperation up to certain level.
Basic Requirements for Beginning Private Universities. It really is vital to establish basic requirements for starting private colleges in Sri Lanka. If there is no control many private colleges might be opened with reduced facilities and provide lower quality education. As this is very bad for reputation on advanced schooling of Sri Lanka, necessary steps should be taken to find out basic requirements at the original stage of starting private colleges.
14. They are the recommendations that are identified at the end of this service newspaper and it could be explained that if these recommendations are followed, starting of private colleges can be carried out in more useful manner which allows to provide more benefits to the Sri Lankan modern culture and it is possible to produce graduates with necessary skills and knowledge who can successfully add the development procedure for the country.
RPCP SAMARAWEERA
Major
