- Private institutions can accommodate students unable to secure placement in state universities, preventing foreign exchange drain.
- Stricter quality control measures necessary for non-state higher education institutes and cross-border branches of foreign universities to maintain high educational standards.
- Call for private universities to establish medical faculties adhering to quality and standards acknowledging the demand for medical education.
With more students leaving Sri Lanka for overseas schools and universities, the argument over the creation of private universities there has gathered momentum recently. It’s no secret that this concern has been sparked by the current economic crisis, with some parents wondering if they will be able to support their children after they leave.
Parents have been known to take extraordinary measures, such as selling their own home or pawning valuables, in order to pay for their children’s study abroad trips. In a Western nation, the annual cost of a university education might reach Rs. 10 million, not including housing. Parents must pay this much for lecture fees alone if their child does not receive a full scholarship. In either case, the student is responsible for covering the mounting costs of housing, food, and transportation. Naturally, the students must get these monies in US dollars or another convertible currency, which puts additional pressure on our already limited foreign exchange reserves.
However, students will discover that several public and private educational institutions can provide comparable internationally recognised courses and degrees at a fraction of the price if they peruse the Education sections of this newspaper or any other one. There are occasions when students can choose to finish their course abroad. Since the majority of students appear to want to obtain permanent residency in nations like Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, these Sri Lanka-based courses might also aid in becoming eligible for employment and residency abroad.
Economic and academic impetus
It is true that preserving foreign exchange is frequently highlighted as the main argument in favour of adding additional private universities. Imagine the savings even if the nation only saves $1,000 per year for each student—thousands of Sri Lankans are currently enrolled in international universities, and more are leaving every day. More than anything else, nearby private institutions offer its students the chance to pursue their academic interests while still having the comfort of living close to their loved ones. Studying abroad is not only costly but also risky, especially at a time when hate crimes motivated by race are on the rise in certain developed nations.
In that background, Daily News brought together a few academicians to delve further into this matter.
Professor Chandana P. Udawatte, Vice Chairman of Sri Lanka’s University Grants Commission (UGC), shed light on the complex dynamics of the country’s higher education system. While acknowledging the valuable role private universities play in catering to the demand for education, he emphasised the crucial need for stricter quality control measures.
Professor Udawatte identified two categories of private universities: non-state higher education institutes and cross-border branches of foreign universities. The former, recognised by the Ministry of Education, caters to over 42,000 students annually, which includes students of local universities and universities that are internationally affiliated, alleviating the burden on state universities and offering opportunities to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access. However, he believes the committee granting them authority could benefit from further regulations to ensure quality standards. “The Ministry of Education is looking into those programs offered by the non-state higher education institutions, and there is a specific committee to look over that. But these non-state institutions never come under the “University” category, they are only higher education institutions”, Prof. Udawatte added.
The other category, exemplified by branches of universities like London, Plymouth, and Victoria, presents a different challenge. If any university comes under the Commonwealth University yearbook and International Handbook of Universities Database, those universities are recognised by the UGC. Nevertheless, UGC has no control over its quality and financial outflow as fees go directly to the parent university abroad. So, they are out of the hands of UGC.
Despite these concerns, Professor Udawatte expressed his support for the existence of private universities, citing their significant contribution in accommodating the large number of students unable to secure placement in state universities. He highlighted the financial benefits of having these institutions within the country, preventing students from going abroad and draining foreign exchange. “Around 150,000 students are annually eligible for higher education. Nevertheless, the UGC accommodates only 45,000 due to insufficient space and facilities. Therefore, private universities are a must to accommodate the rest of the students. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also given a green light in this regard and we are hoping for the best on behalf of the country”, he added.
Advocacy for private higher education
Professor Udawatte emphasised the importance of quality assurance, stressing that both state and private universities must be held to high standards. He outlined the rigorous process followed by the UGC, involving a quality assurance unit, standing committees, and expert panels, to ensure each program meets national needs and market demands. “Regular curriculum revisions every five years are also mandated in state universities, so we cannot say that state universities are outdated, that is a myth”, he added.
Regarding the ongoing debate on allowing private universities to establish medical faculties, Professor Udawatte expressed his personal opinion in favour of it, acknowledging the high demand and potential opposition. He mentioned the President’s green light for such initiatives, emphasising the importance of proper implementation.
Professor Udawatte strongly condemned the practice of ragging in universities, calling it unfortunate and unacceptable. “We are continuously working on it, and as compared to early days, there is a decline of serious cases”, he said.
Professor Chaminda Rathnayake, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the NSBM Green University, talked to Daily News and expressed his ideas on how government and private universities in Sri Lanka compare academic quality and research output. “First, it is essential to clarify the unique nature of the institution we have built – NSBM Green University. It operates as a government-owned higher education institute but functions on a self-financed model, making it more aptly termed a “fee-levying university or self-financed University “. I should emphasise that our massive university complex was constructed without spending public funds but through a bank loan. Our operational model, funded by student fees, is not profit-driven. It mainly facilitates the provision of quality higher education and the repayment of bank loans, and any surplus is invested in the continuous development of our institution. Therefore, “Private University” does not accurately capture our identity.
Moreover, he said that academic quality, for them, is intricately linked with student outcomes and future demand. “As a self-financed institute, our financial sustainability hinges on the success of our students. Preserving academic quality ensures the continued sustainability of our university. Our commitment as a university extends beyond mere academic excellence; we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with leadership qualities and essential soft skills. In an era dominated by continuous public scrutiny, only such commitment ensures a constant demand for our programs, with recommendations from satisfied students further contributing to our progress.
Turning to research, it serves as a catalyst for developing innovative skills among students, academics, and society. Moreover, a robust research output significantly enhances the university’s ranking. Therefore, our institution strongly emphasises academic quality and research endeavours as driving forces for its continued success and relevance in the higher educational landscape.
Access and quality
When all things considered, rather than comparing or competing, the present need is for collective efforts to produce quality graduates with global standards. In this journey, continuous self-evaluation becomes paramount by observing the status of the graduates each institution has produced for years, also learning from mistakes and progressing”, he added.
Daily News also queried, considering the demand for medical education, whether private universities in Sri Lanka should be allowed to establish medical faculties. Prof. Chaminda asserted that it is imperative to acknowledge that education is a right, just as the right of patients to access a quality healthcare system. “In light of this, it becomes crucial to foster initiatives that encourage qualified students to pursue their aspirations in higher education, including medicine. Notably, due to the lack of opportunities in Sri Lanka, many students interested in medical education opt to seek opportunities abroad, and there is a concern that doctors leaving the country contributes to an outflow of both foreign exchange and talent.
Considering these dynamics, a compelling case exists for allowing fee-levying universities to establish medical faculties that adhere to quality and standards. This approach could address the growing demand for medical education and healthcare within the country and the possibility of attracting international students. The quality assurance mechanisms, too, must be unbiased and understand the national needs. Such arrangements ensure that these fee-levying institutions can deliver medical education of equivalent quality and standards to any international medical faculty.
Moreover, everyone must understand that accessibility to high-quality medical education leading to improved healthcare ultimately benefits the public, aligning with the broader goals of enhancing the nation’s overall health and well-being”, he added.
Commenting on the need for updated curricula he pointed out that we live in a globalised world of constant change and higher education must not remain static. “Keeping pace with the constant dynamism of industries and the evolving global landscape is vital to ensure that graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by the job market. This enhances graduates’ competitiveness and contributes to the country’s overall economic and social development”, prof. Chaminda said.
Bringing more private universities into Sri Lanka can be beneficial, but only if they are properly regulated and meet strict quality standards, says Professor Samantha Thelijjagoda, Pro Vice Chancellor Research and International of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT).
Addressing skill shortages
Private universities can fill the gap in areas where the state sector falls short, he says, citing the example of SLIIT, which was established to meet the country’s growing demand for IT graduates. “SLIIT came as a result of filling the graduate gap which the State universities could not fill. The State Sector universities only produced less than 100 IT graduates while we were starting while actually the country was in need of 500 IT graduates.
“The government cannot produce all the graduates the country needs,” Professor Thelijjagoda explains. “So private universities can play a role, but they must be well-regulated by the UGC and ensure their programs have proper entry qualifications, especially in fields like medicine and engineering.”
He also sees benefits in terms of foreign exchange. SLIIT’s international programs attract over 800 students who would otherwise go abroad to study, saving valuable foreign exchange for the country.
However, Professor Thelijjagoda acknowledges the public perception of some private higher education institutes as “companies pumping money” and emphasises the importance of choosing institutions that prioritise quality education and research engagements which make an impact on society and the economy and provide a genuine university environment with necessary facilities.
“Parents should carefully consider factors like program recognition, qualified in-house staff, facilities, partnerships with the industry and foreign universities and the overall university environment before sending their children to any private university,” he advises.
SLIIT itself is a shining example of a well-run private university, Professor Thelijjagoda says. “We invest heavily in research, offering grants and awards to faculty and even funding travel and registration fees for conferences and publications. This focus on research has led to impressive achievements, including a student team winning the world’s second place in the Microsoft Imagine Cup competition in 2022.
Looking ahead, SLIIT is actively promoting its programs to international students, particularly those from SAARC countries, and is working with government bodies to facilitate their recruitment.
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Private Higher Education in Sri Lanka: Key Facts
- Over 42,000 students annually enroll in non-state higher education institutes, recognised by the Ministry of Education.
- Sri Lanka has approximately 150,000 students annually eligible for higher education, with only 45,000 accommodated by state universities.
- Two main categories of private universities exist: non-state higher education institutes and cross-border branches of foreign universities.
- Non-state institutions cater to local and internationally affiliated students, alleviating the burden on state universities, while foreign university branches present a different set of challenges.
- The annual cost of studying abroad in Western nations may reach Rs. 10 million, contributing to an outflow of foreign exchange from Sri Lanka.
- Private universities are considered a potential solution to retain students within the country, preventing further drainage of foreign exchange.
- Stricter quality control measures are necessary for both non-state higher education institutes and foreign university branches.
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) points out the importance of rigorous processes, including regular curriculum revisions and expert panels, to ensure high educational standards.
- There is an ongoing debate on allowing private universities to establish medical faculties, with opinions divided on the potential benefits and controversies.
- Advocates argue that fee-levying institutions can address the growing demand for medical education within the country, preventing an outflow of talent and foreign exchange.
- Institutions like NSBM Green University operate on a self-financed model, with a commitment to academic quality and research output.
- Financial sustainability for self-financed universities is linked to the success of students, and any surplus is reinvested in the continuous development of the institution.
- Private universities, such as SLIIT, are established to fill gaps in specific industries like Information Technology (IT), addressing the country’s demand for skilled graduates in these fields.
- Some private higher education institutes face public perception challenges as profit-driven entities, highlighting the importance of careful consideration by parents.
- Recommendations include evaluating program recognition, qualified staff, industry partnerships, and overall university environment before choosing a private institution.
