General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University (KNDU) Bill will be taken up for debate in Parliament this week.
Education should not be a privilege nor militarized!
For instance, the Bill proposes the establishment of a parallel higher education structure outside of the existing Universities Act and the UGC.
Sec 4(d) - The University intends to provide academic and professional qualifications not only to persons who intend to serve in the Armed Forces but also in the Public Service of Sri Lanka.
Section 5(1) further reiterates that the KNDU study programmes are not limited to the military - which was the original purpose of the University, and also expands to the public officers.
The Board of Governors consists of 9 individuals of whom only a maximum of 4 are civilian: Secretary and Addl. Sec to MOD, nominees from UGC and Treasury. If the Secretary is also from the military (as it is now) only 2 of the 7 Governors will be outside the military.
The Board of Governors has wide-ranging powers to determine the qualification of students, the courses and diplomas, the minimum qualification of academic and non-academic staff, quality assurance mechanisms, to decide & establish affiliated institutions to award degrees - S. 18
S.7 - Minister can use any means necessary to control any situation that might be detrimental or prejudicial to national policy & smooth functioning of the Uni!
What kind of graduates are we planning 2 produce through this model? Ones who are scared to challenge the status quo?
It also doesn't stop there. Both students and staff are bound to provide any information to the Board.
What does any information mean in the military context? Does this mean there will be no privacy?
Section 5(g), the KNDU can recognize courses conducted by other academic institutes established under this Act, under the supervision of, and in accordance with the criteria stipulated by KNDU, and to award degrees - these are completely outside the higher education system in SL
Section 5(O) - KNDU can establish campuses, colleges, faculties, departments, centers, academic institutions and such other specialized institutes, schools and divisions as may be required by the University - again outside the parameters of the UGC
Section 6(4) - The Minister of Defence then gazettes all affiliated institutions under the KNDU!
If the military wishes to establish its own training institution for military personnel in defence-related subjects, as it happens in other countries, we do not object. But the entire higher education system should not be militarized!
KNDU reflects the failure of successive governments to expand Higher Education opportunities.
Increased funding for education will minimize people having to pay for it, and ensure everyone an equal opportunity.
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