News
Other state universities to take cue from Pera open day despite hiccups
The one-day event, while attracting thousands
State universities will embrace the open day concept despite several hiccups from the first such event, University Grants Commission chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga said.
The University of Peradeniya, opened its doors to the public, to mark its 80th anniversary. However, the event attracted bouquets and brickbats.
The one-day event, while attracting thousands, had roads leading to the university heavily congested. Photos of vehicles parked on flower beds, discarded lunch sheets and plastic bottles were going viral on social media.
Vice chancellor of Peradeniya University, Prof. M.D. Lamawansa said though they expected fewer than 100,000 visitorss, there were about 200,000.
“This is a novel concept in our university system, but was a huge success. We planned opening at 10:00a.m. but the crowd started coming from 8:30 a.m. and though plans were to end the open day it went on till about 7:00p.m. Visitors were coming from all over the country,’’ Prof. Lamawansa told the Sunday Times.
He said visitors were able to witness different faculties from medicine and arts, to agriculture and had guided campus tours. There were cultural, music and singing performances at the Sarachchandra open air theatre, food stalls run by students and visitors were able to admire the beauty of the 2,000 acre campus.
He said, unfortunately, the university was unable to reserve parking spaces
for visitors.
“Larger parking spaces will be definitely looked at in our next open-day event,” he said adding that the plan is to make open day an annual event.
“There was damage only to a small flower bed, while delicate flowers were very much protected. Light vehicles parked on grass did not cause much damage. But it will be prevented next time,” he said.
“Open days are popular among universities overseas where parents with students are able to visit departments and faculties, observe facilities and academic programmes and are able to interact with current students and academic staff. Our state universities need to be open to the public. The negative mindset of ragging and protesting can be removed only through this concept while universities too, will be prepared for the public even once a year.’’
He said the public are unaware of the open day, took it more as an exhibition.
“However, with time, only those genuinely interested will visit the university. Other universities, too, are encouraged to have open days,” he said.
Federation of University Teachers’ Association President Prof. Bharana Jayawardena said state funding is needed for open days. “Self-funding for such a large event is impossible for state universities with a limited budget. Government assistance is essential.’’
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