IUSF prefers central govt. run schools to those coming under PCs

Complains that funding cuts have reduced schools to mere shells

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The systematic and sustained reduction of funds allocated for education has degraded education provided by schools, and even ‘popular’ schools, to mere husks of what they once were, convenor of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Madushan Chandrajith said.

“There is a question whether children can enter local universities without tuition. We need to overhaul the system. The government, about a year ago, presented a framework for changing the educational system. Instead of improving the quality of education and expanding access, it proposes to close more schools and privatize education,” he said.

Chandrajith added that although the government insists that the education provided by fee levying schools is better, even children who go to private schools that charge over a million rupees a year can be found in tuition classes to study for foreign O/L and A/L exams.

“Children who study at international schools can’t successfully pass their international exams without tuition. Expanding private education is not a solution.”

The IUSF convener said that most state-owned schools are administered by provincial councils and these schools have been neglected for decades. There are about 370 national schools that are run by the central government, he mentioned.

“People are demanding the central government to take over all schools and enhance the standards. The government is doing the exact opposite,” he said.