President and key officials discuss future of education and higher education sectors
View(s):The new government recently announced its top priorities in the education sector. Among these are, the formulation of a
mechanism to enroll students in universities soon after the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) exam results are released, the recruitment of unemployed graduates to vacant positions and the providing of education and employment opportunities for all students who pass the A/L exams.
During a recent discussion with education and higher education ministers and officials at the Presidential Secretariat, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said swift actions should be taken to develop the education sector. This was a priority in his election manifesto. He said there is a need to move towards an education system that provides the younger generation with necessary skills, in a technology-driven global economy.
The President also spoke about the need to break away from an exam-oriented educational system to create a less stressful educational environment for young children.
He also said that the country needs to be brought in line with international curricula and new syllabuses should be created to do so.
He also spoke about the importance of expert sector decisions being taken by experts and academics instead of politicians.
President Rajapaksa said immediate steps should be taken to train unemployed graduates for existing vacancies.
Students who passed the 2018 A/L exams and are eligible to enter universities should be enrolled immediately. From 2019 onwards students should be admitted to universities, shortly after the release of results.
All students who passed the A/L exams should be given the opportunity to gain university admission, the President said.
Diploma courses will be introduced at universities to help create a workforce needed by the country in the short run. The President also said that actions should be taken to establish teacher training institutes and hotel schools.
He also spoke about the importance of developing and absorbing the Batticaloa campus into the country’s university network.
“The time has come to grant the opportunity for universities to prepare courses, after looking into the country’s requirements,” said President Rajapaksa.
Plans to establish univserities in Galle, Matara and Hambantota and other districts were made as well. The President said the possibilities of renovating and using old and vacant buildings in large lands as universities will be explored.
“The country should have more students qualified in science and mathematics streams. It is also vital to absorb the students who study arts subjects in to the economic process, by giving them the opportunity to pursue information and communication technology.”
“Steps must be taken to address the issue of shortage of teachers, to ensure there are no unfilled vacancies at schools,” he added.
It was also discussed that a national policy for the education sector should be formulated within a year.
Education Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said the special discussion held on Friday marks a “turning point in education.”
Minister Bandula Gunawardene, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, ministry Secretaries and several officials were also present at the discussion.