From the time of Plato and the Buddha mankind has been dabbling with the concept of education. What is education anyway, and what is its status in Sri Lanka per se? Since independence –that is for about 60 years- we have been tinkering with our education system, but unfortunately we have not-definitely not-come up with anything that’s laudable, though Sri Lanka leads in the education sector in the region. (Leaving aside India anyway).
The 1979 syllabus was hailed by many as one of the best education systems, sadly it too failed in just a year or two. Another point repeatedly criticized by many is that we still cling on to the old British syllabus- which was primarily designed to mould Civil service clerks rather than productive and innovative individuals with character.It was a good sign, that the newly appointed Education Minister has called for a “National Policy” in education-which would effectively leaves the Education sector from political interference and called on everybody to give their input.
Looking back, nobody can deny the fact government after government, have literally “tinkered” with the system and now we have mess on our hands, with blunders in school question papers.
Worst of all is since our education system comes under two masters -the Provincial Councils and the Central Government- every time a blunder is made it has become a habit of those in the office to pass the buck rather than address the problem.
While “National” schools come under the Central Government directly, other schools fall under the Provincial Councils, which adds to the complication.
It is commendable that the new Education Minister wants to propose that a Parliamentary Select Committee be appointed for the introduction of fresh legislation to deal with education matters including the issue of school admissions.
It is also remarkable that the Minister has said that nobody is “satisfied” with the situation.
“All the stakeholders of the education sector are dissatisfied with the present system. Children do not go to school in a happy mood. Teachers do not have job satisfaction. There is something wrong in our education system. We have to take a broad approach to find solutions to all these issues. We should not address issues in isolation,” Mr. Gunawardane said.
“Then, we will have a National Policy which covers all the aspects of the education sector.”
A Select Committee, according to parliamentary traditions, is appointed by the Speaker, based on a motion passed in the House. The Speaker also appoints members to the Committee. It should comprise more than 12 members from both sides of the political divide.
A National Policy for Education is an urgent need. The country’s future depends very much on our schools.
Let’s hope that the Economics master will do what he has said- as we are sure he would know that education is a sure investment.