Even as hundreds of students and doctors took to the streets against the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine more commonly known as SAITM, Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayanth endorsed a new biotechnology degree offered by a private university.
Susil Premajayanth
A press release issued by Northumbria University said that Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayanth speaking at the launch of the Northumbria’s BSc Honours Degree in Biotechnology at the Business Management School (BMS) in Colombo had emphasized the need for Sri Lanka to plan their educational goals in terms of future developments in applied sciences, and named Northumbria University’s biotechnology degree as a key part of that growth.
In recent weeks, protests against institutions such as SAITM has intensified with trade unions from the education sector also joining university students and the GMOA claiming that by allowing such institutes to issue medical degrees, it can result in a dwindling of standards of the quality of doctors and other medical practitioners produced in Sri Lanka.
Northumbria University, Newcastle has become Sri Lanka’s first UK University to launch a biotechnology degree. The University of Colombo has its own institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Bio technology, while the University of Sri Jayewardenepura also has a Faculty of Technology which offers Bachelor of Bio-Systems Technology.
St. John Usher, Head of Applied Sciences at Northumbria University, said: “Northumbria’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has enjoyed a hugely successful working relationship with BMS in Sri Lanka over the years and we’re delighted to be able to announce this latest programme in what is a very exciting and emerging science in Sri Lanka.
“The biotechnology sector of India is currently on a strong growth trajectory and Sri Lanka has recognised the importance of this industry in the growth of its own economy. This is the first year that BMS, in collaboration with Northumbria, has recruited students to the biotechnology programme and it’s great to see that some of the teaching on this degree is being provided by our former Masters students,” he said.
In 2015 approval was given to franchise the final year of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme to BMS. This has involved extensive development of state of the art laboratories at BMS so that students are assured of a high quality learning experience. This development provides students from Sri Lanka with the opportunity to study in their home country, with a considerable reduction in cost when compared to studying abroad, the press release said.
We publish below the press release in full:
As Sri Lanka looks toward emerging sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle has become the island’s first UK University to launch a biotechnology degree.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Science, Technology and Research Susil Premajayantha spoke at the recent launch of Northumbria’s BSc Honours Degree in Biotechnology at the Business Management School (BMS) in Colombo.
Minister Premajayantha emphasised the need for Sri Lanka to plan their educational goals in terms of future developments in applied sciences, and named Northumbria University’s biotechnology degree as a key part of that growth.
The partnership between Northumbria University and BMS has developed over many years with BMS being one of Northumbria’s strategic partners. The School developed a strong partnership with Northumbria University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences after the launch of its BSc Honours Degree in Biomedical Science in 2013.
St. John Usher, Head of Applied Sciences at Northumbria University, said: “Northumbria’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has enjoyed a hugely successful working relationship with BMS in Sri Lanka over the years and we’re delighted to be able to announce this latest programme in what is a very exciting and emerging science in Sri Lanka.
“The biotechnology sector of India is currently on a strong growth trajectory and Sri Lanka has recognised the importance of this industry in the growth of its own economy.
“This is the first year that BMS, in collaboration with Northumbria, has recruited students to the biotechnology programme and it’s great to see that some of the teaching on this degree is being provided by our former Masters students.”
In 2015 approval was given to franchise the final year of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science programme to BMS. This has involved extensive development of state of the art laboratories at BMS so that students are assured of a high quality learning experience.
This development provides students from Sri Lanka with the opportunity to study in their home country, with a considerable reduction in cost when compared to studying abroad.
Meanwhile, the relationship between Newcastle Business School, at Northumbria, and BMS is entering its 12th year and has produced more than 1,000 graduate students.
Dr Wijewardena, President of the Business Management School (BMS), was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by Northumbria University in 2016.
His career at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka lasted 37 years culminating in nine years as the Deputy Governor, responsible for economic research, monetary policy, financial system stability, public debt, rural credit and banking.
Simultaneously, he was the Chairman of both the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board.
roger / September 23, 2017
This is a very dangerous and damaging trend that this government is encouraging. Government should create and promote Sri Lankan institutions to establish these courses. The University of Colombo Biotechnology course is under developed and under utilized. Sri Lanka is probably the only country in the world providing infrastructure facilities to foreign universities- the Malabe Green University is a classic example. For this influential personalities are provided doctorates. ( PM Ranil Wickramasinghe is a good example – Deakin University bestowed him doctorate – God only knows what is his suitability for such an honour- probably for the highest looser who retained the leadership of his party despite repeated losses, Susil premajayatha will also get it) . Government proposed increase in budgetary allocation for higher education is probably is spent in this manner. The all knowing FUTA does not realise this blunder or a selective inattention!
Government can help the existing Sri Lankan Universities and even private education facilities to hire foreign scholars to teach for short term. There are enough of Sri Lankan scientists who would love to come and serve here for short periods. By promoting foreign universities we are helping them to climb up in ranking and we are as a nation sinking. We are doomed because of our politicians who do not care a damn about the country. Any party who comes into power will make as much money as possible before they are kicked out.
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Amarasiri / September 24, 2017
Susil Premajayanth
RE: As Anti-SAITM Protests Intensifies, Susil Premajayanth Endorses New Private-Foreign Biotechnology Degree,
Itt is a;; about the hegemony and caste system of SLMC and GMOA, not about the country and it populace.
Do the coward politicians have the skills and guts to set things straight so that SLMC and GMOA,get the message it is about the country and the populace, and not about SLMC and GMOA.
Take onto custody the top 50 honchos of the SLMC Mafia and GMOA. Mafia and keep this in prison, with no bail.
Do the wimpy politicians have the guts?
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Jagath Fernando / September 24, 2017
At last some good news in the higher education sector than eternally hearing about strikes and violence.
Good to see one by one Ministers realizing the need for private fee levying higher education. Let the students who are lucky to come through the district quota system study from tax payers money at Colombo Uni and and let the peters study at their own expense at the North Umbria Uni and I see no issue with that. Let the employers decide whom they want to recruit. Can anyone see a problem with that?
Also Rajitha is planning to set up the SAARC fee levying medical school in Sri Lanka. Excellent initiative.
Also PM is spearheading a project to bring down two top tier Universities from USA including a top 10 business school. These are fantastic initiatives and wish I had these opportunities when I was young. But I am very happy that my kids and future generations are able have these opportunities.
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old codger / September 24, 2017
Roger,
” Sri Lanka is probably the only country in the world providing infrastructure facilities to foreign universities- the Malabe Green University is a classic example.”
Roger, you ought to do your homework before you post. Have you not heard of the Monash University in Malaysia, for example?
Even China has foreign universities.Jut three of them:
University of Nottingham, Ningbo Campus
University of Birmingham Guangzhou Centre
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou
There is no point in increasing budgetary allocations if quality of output and tutorial staff remains the same.
The truth is that the quality of our graduates is getting worse and worse. Students are taught largely by past grads of the same universities.
This applies to doctors too. If our doctors are so great, why is it that people have to rush to India or Singapore for routine things like liver transplants or bypass surgery?
Why do private hospitals employ Indian doctors? It can’t be for lack of investment.
Why do “medical professionals” yell and scream from political platforms? It all points to a lack of quality.
“By promoting foreign universities we are helping them to climb up in ranking “
Only foreign universities can inject NEW knowledge and standards
into our moribund system.
“There are enough of Sri Lankan scientists who would love to come and serve here for short periods”
I don’t think there is any scientist who would come and work in a local campus with its endless strikes, pointless agitations and totally clueless academics.
“We are doomed because of our politicians who do not care a damn about the country”
Politicians are elected by the people. They have to work by certain rules, they cannot touch sacred cows like ” free” education or engage in privatization if they want to survive. Would YOU elect a politician who promises a balanced budget and no subsidies? So, blame yourself!
We have been repeating the same mistakes since 1948. Carrying on with the same policies will not bring different results.
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SJ / September 24, 2017
Australia has been notorious for making business out of higher education.
The central question, however, is whether any of these Australian and British universities who make money out of their degrees recognize the ‘overseas’ degrees to be on par with their native counterparts.
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Naga Ramalingam / September 25, 2017
True, many Canadians are going to Australia to do their law degree in just two years.
Some schools don’t even require a degree as prerequisite. It is the survival of the richest! Premajayantha is supporting this, probably open new venues to the rich and children of politicians. Our architect of free education CWW. Kannangara must be turning in his grave for sure!
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roger / September 24, 2017
old codger
The Monash University Malaysia is a joint ventrue between the Sunway group and Monash the Malaysian government has not provided the infrastructure for Monash. Malaysian government only invited Monash to invest in Malaysian higher education. I am not talking about opening up of centres and campuses of foreign universities, which there all over Colombo, it is the infrastucture facilities created by the government with its own fund that needs to be questioned.
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roger / September 24, 2017
In which country will the government takeover a private hospital which was started to train private medical students when it is at the verge of collapse and relive the private investor of his financial predicament other than in Sri Lanka? Now donot confuse this with providing government facilities to train private medical students which is a good move for the state and private enterprise.
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Analyst / September 24, 2017
Why these Politicians are bribed into installing these pseudo universities??
Surely Susil Premajayantha will play a pivotal roll in bringing this so called institution with handsomely bribed by the above mentioned Uni Board of directors ,
but these universities are struggling Universities in their original homeland , how good the qualification would be in a competitive world ?
Why the Srilankan government getting Duped into these gimmicks.
These so called qualifications are only on paper and not worth for anything else, Srilankan people should know that.
Politicians please do not USE OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS AS PAWN FOR YOUR OWN GAIN.
Somebody please stop all these nonsense,
Get our once world known Education back on track with the best scholars to teach our Precious children.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / September 24, 2017
Analyst,
“Politicians please do not USE OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS AS PAWN FOR YOUR OWN GAIN.
Somebody please stop all these nonsense,”
From your really excellent English grammar, one can see what sort of education you have had. Should we subject our children to the same fate?
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Analyst / September 24, 2017
LAC3 ( rtd) B
We are not here to argue about your grammatical analysis , we’re here to put the wrongs right.
When opinions here are against your views you barking up to something else.
The point here is flooding SL with sub standard Universities from UK or anywhere else is not acceptable.
These institutions I guess are struggling to recruit local students to survive in a competitive world.
Srilankan politicians are ready to open a so called twin in our country just to show that they’re doing something positive to our students and Parents.
Starting and filling this University with local students is not all.
They need to compete within the country in the job market , not forgetting the world wide job market .
So while you forget the matter and delve in flooding the country with useless institutions is sheer stupidity, I begin to wonder what nonsense are you on about.
This is a column to express ones views for the future of our country.
Do not submerge your self in warped ideologies of yours to distract the arguments here on CT.
The kind of venture will be an excellent spin for money making for those involved ! the losers will be our students and parents.
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / September 24, 2017
Analyst,
If you are an example of quality Lankan education, don’t you think something has to change?
Whether someone is making money or not is not the point. It is not a crime to make money. If they make money AND improve education, that’s OK.
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sathsidu ganasara / September 28, 2017
” Get our once world known Education back on track with the best scholars to teach our Precious children”
The politicized academia cannot deliver.What research are they reporting?
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Analyst / September 24, 2017
These are the Egos of fading Srilankan politicians, trying to dupe the Government Mafia who has no knoledge in higher education or how it would be appropriate in our small landMost of the politicians with no O/L.
How can they make decisions for our future generations??
Our country ONCE PRODUCED WORLD CLASS SCHOLARS WITH THE HELP OF THE MISSIONARY .
Certainly e Dan do the same again.
There are NO Local Scholars to lecture our students in this competitive world , ok
Asses following the Asses.
.
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Analyst / September 24, 2017
Correction folks
before LAC3(rtd) B ……Arming himself with the microscope to comment on spellings here I apologise due to computer glitch , spelling of the word knowledge is twisted
So too the 7th line on my comment is somehow distorted by the glitch I guess.
Read it however you wish …..
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / September 24, 2017
Analyst,
“Our country ONCE PRODUCED WORLD CLASS SCHOLARS WITH THE HELP OF THE MISSIONARY .”
Well, I agree with you there. These missionaries were foreigners, please remember.
“The point here is flooding SL with sub standard Universities “
All our Universities are sub-standard. So what’s new?
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Analyst / September 25, 2017
LAC3(rtd) B
How can you compare the foreign Missionaries to our present day Highway Men and Women.
The only Goal of these present day local Mafias are to make Mega Bucks quickly and
plentiful.
That’s the difference between the two .
Ok ! On the matter of substandard Universities , why the standard has gone down??
There are few reasons for it:: Pampered offsprings who only likes clubbing, Sub standard local tutors wasting their time and the student’s time with no commitment , the final factor is the Profit making venture of the lecturers and middlemen .
Times have changed since the Missionaries left our shores.
The Mentality too have changed enormously ,
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Desperate Sinhalaya / September 24, 2017
please dont get me wrong, I did not like this minister being part of former regime, but I dont think it is right to stand against him in terms of the current issue…There are a set of ACCOUNTANCY related institutes whose degrees are being offered from foreign Uni in the country for the last two decades.
But I really dont understand why some idiots stand against any Bio Technology or the like areas to do the same.
Sure, as Thrisu the MONGOOSE researcher of former govt would go on saying that we have to improve the govt universty standards, but so long pvt universities would offer their degrees in compliance with the standards, why not they allow to make their branches in the country. That way, only those who dont get chances but with highest possible marks woudl be able to start doing their degrees, of course if they can afford the course fees.
This people in this country are just jealous of own folks likes. That is what bothers me.
We have been having some pvt institutes for the last 2 decades, that offer foreign degrees. So why should ONLY commerce and Charted institutes allow to go that way while other fields like biology, chemistry and medicine are blocked for pvt degrees ?
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Amarasiri / September 24, 2017
Susil Premajayanth,
RE: As Anti-SAITM Protests Intensifies, Susil Premajayanth Endorses New Private-Foreign Biotechnology Degree,
Govt. finalises minimum standards for medical education, but
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170924/news/govt-finalises-minimum-standards-for-medical-education-260736.html
Every student admitted to the medical studies programmes in universities will require to have passed the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination in the subjects of biology, physics and chemistry or an equivalent examination, at one and the same sitting with grades of B and above in all three subjects. The regulations also lay down the criteria for recruiting of academic staff, educational resources, programme evaluation and governance and management.
SLMC notable absentee at Friday’s talks on minimum standardsBy Kumudini Hettiarachchi and Sinali Ranwala
The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) on Friday boycotted a discussion at the Prime Minister’s Office on the formulation of minimum standards for medical education..
The source added that whatever entity is set up, the existing powers of the SLMC on the maintenance of minimum standards for medical and dental education should not be tampered with. As such, the SLMC decided to refrain from attending Friday’s discussion, which it is learnt, went ahead as scheduled.
Why SLMC wants is to maintain their hegemony, without accountability to standards.
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Analyst / September 25, 2017
What about the plight of Nepali Students?? Because of the infighting, lectures were cancelled due to strikes and so on. Due to the fact the students were called back by their government.
Can SLanka do anything positively?? Or successfully??
It’s all the song and dance on the first day ,afterwards the funds are pilfered and lecturers will go on strike ,so too the students.
Country is full of Donkeys.
Name one success story in SLanka?? NONE!!!
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Vanderkoon / September 26, 2017
This is a misleading storyline, hence your confused comment. There are plenty of private Degree offering institutes in the country but only medical degree awarding has been challenged by the GMOA, This news has it that a Bio-tech degree has been endorsed, which will have no problem by the GMOA.
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Rajiv / September 23, 2017
I honestly do not see the issue with having a private medical university if a standard is set by the SLMC for both education and exams.
GMOA has an issue with the SL based private medical universities but are ok with accepting students who graduated from universities in China, Russia, Ukraine India, Bangladesh and a multitude of other countries where the SLMC has no control of standards or do not know what the standards are except for what they claim.
It all seems to boil down to the GMOA not wanting to have additional doctors in the country(we all know the country needs more doctors, especially in rural areas) so they can control their pay and perks.
After all, doctors are the only group of government agents who are legally allowed to do private practice while holding a government position. If the doctors are so concerned about the patients(ha ha), they should stop doing 80 hours of private practice a week and put in more than the 10 hours of work they do a week at the government hospitals.
Lets call this for what it is. This is all about controlling the supply. In the meantime, we as a country are losing foreign currency that is getting sucked out to fund medical education for students in foreign countries.
The rich can afford to send their kids to foreign lands but what about the poor?
What is my solution? First, I would ban private practice for government doctors. That will allow us to weed out the greedy ones who are only trying to protect their turf.
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K.Pillai / September 23, 2017
“As Anti-SAITM Protests Intensifies, Susil Premajayanth Endorses New Private-Foreign Biotechnology Degree”
A red herring! What has SAITM to do with a Biotechnology degree.
Is Northumbria University private? If so did Susil Premajayanth check the quality of the degrees?
Business Management School (BMS) in Colombo will conduct the courses – teaching on this degree is being provided by former Masters students of BMS. Usually Masters students are just few hours of work ahead of the under-graduates some may even be lower.
Is Susil acting in the interests of the Lanka? Looks like he is promoting the business interests of his mates.
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Jimsofty / September 24, 2017
Because of this biotechnology Degree program, the financing foreign partners can legally steal Srilankan patentable trade secrets. Dumb minister most probably is getting some handsome political donation, or they can patent sri lankan resources for their benefit. Private medicare can be introduced. that is why some young people die in the west because they can not afford medicare. For example, the patent for Kothala himbutu which is an endemic species in Sri lanka, is owned by Japan,.
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yusuf / September 24, 2017
Dumb Jimmy,
“the financing foreign partners can legally steal Srilankan patentable trade secrets.”
Like the secret for eating cow dung? Or the secret for sending slaves to the Gulf?
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K A Sumanasekera / September 24, 2017
Masters in Bio Tech, Nuclear Physics, or even Gene Splitting is not like checking the Postrate and doing Artery grafts on poor Srilankan Inhabitants by Colombo Babes who haven’t even made the cut at A levels…….
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Jimsofty / September 24, 2017
This is a ploy to legally steal all the commercializable biotechnology resources in Srilanka. Once they start profiting on it, Sri lanka can not say anything. One such example is IRRI in Phillipines. Phillipines is still importing rice. but another country has genetically modified rice varieties adapted to their country and they use it every way.
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Perera / September 24, 2017
In my opinion, it is very simple to solve SAITM issue. Government should take over the SAITM and introduce a quota for fee levying students. We suspect most of the ministers including the tops could have been palmed oiled in this big project given the way they approach this issues (People of this country can guess what is going on and who are who will be involved )
Now almost all ministers of this government are hell bent on developing private universities and educational institutes in this country. I know many western universities and universities in Malasiya, Australia are of bad quality and they are aimed at earning for selling degrees to Sri Lankan students. These ministers find good earnings for them through these institutes. This is the worst Government in the history of Sri Lankan education. The universities both private and government in Sri Lanka and abroad should be recognized in every three years. I am really worried about voting this fool government which ministers are starting to play with education of the country.
Dr. Perera PhD (Education)
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LAC3 (rtd) Buddhadasa / September 24, 2017
Dr Perera PhD (Ed),
” I am really worried about voting this fool government which ministers are starting to play with education of the country.
Dr. Perera PhD (Education)”
I am really worried about the quality of your education, given your atrocious writing. You are a very good reason for getting down foreign universities.
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Perera / September 24, 2017
Dear Budhadasa,
I think you need some sense. Quality of education is not assessed based on mere writing of a person. Now fools are deciding the education of this country. The fools should be approached in the language the fools understand. Now foreign degrees are in many western countries sold for money. Now they are opening some outlets in Sri lanka too. Many students possess western degree even writing an exam/ assignment. By giving money, they get certificates.
I hope now you will understand
Dr. perera
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MsMaralathoni / September 25, 2017
Perera@ as an Educationalist, you should know it better as to why lankens need more universities
1) not even 5% of the passed out student are selected to universities yearly just not having enough universities.
2) Even if those get rejected most of them are eligible to study medicine if there had been enough medical faculties in the country
3) State cant provide new faculties even if they would wait another decade or two.
4) So only way out would be to allow pvt universties to open their branches in the country.,.if what you articulate is the reason – why other countries allow some US and UK unis to open their branches in those countries. Just go and check it in Spore, malaysia or any other like minded countries.
5) Besides, those who can afford a foreign degree they leave the country for that almost every year, if the branches would have been availabe in the country, they would not want to go abroad, that way they country can make use of those funds that go to foreign countries.
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citizen / September 24, 2017
We do not need “Foreign” in disguise. The best of foreign don’t care to come around here as they are too busy. Those who come to earn from us are best avoided. Linking must be at official levels, not personal leading to corruption. Have we not learnt. Specific programmes can be invited to local uni. courses already here to help improve. Work hard, not suggest idiotic passive outpourings, which will flow out unless we establish it here. SAITM local increasingly multiplying rapidly. SEE
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Truth Seeker / September 24, 2017
This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy.For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2/
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Champa / September 24, 2017
This is not good. Most of government Ministers take decisions on ad-hoc basis which is detrimental to the country. Letting a foreign university to have partnership in conducting Biotechnology Degree programmes have many repercussions.
Seriously, where our country is heading? No sooner we will have nothing we can call ours. We have talented people in the bio science field. Their work is not recognized by the government. This government will be no more in two years time. If the next government did not recognize private degree programs what will happen? Students will have to suffer.
Biotechnology is a field which Sri Lanka should never allow a foreign country to put their hands on. The government should give incentives to our scientists as an encouragement to do researches. We have unique living organisms which could be utilized to create innovative products (bio engineering). Biotech/bio engineering can be used in every field; food, medicine, vaccinations and agriculture, therefore the degree programmes should be conducted only by our own people. Politicians should take expert advice before taking vital decisions.
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old codger / September 24, 2017
Dear Champa,
“We have unique living organisms which could be utilized to create innovative products (bio engineering). Biotech/bio engineering can be used in every field; food, medicine, “
What are these organisms you are talking about? If we actually have them, what did we do all these years? This is like saying that the Abhidhamma contains the secrets of the universe.
Stop boasting about our so-called resources/ technology/ knowlege and DO something, even if we have to get foreign help.
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Champa / September 24, 2017
Old Codger
It is because of politics. Our scientists were never encouraged or granted due facilities to carry out researches, instead politicians always look for foreigners whenever there is a necessity. Meethotamulla was the best example. The foreign expert advice was to reshape and cover it with polythene before the monsoon. Our experts have given more practical solutions years before which were ignored. The Megapolis Minister lamented few weeks about lack of funds to carry out his projects. Then the cat got out of the bag when he said he has no other solution other than seeking private funds. Meaning foreign loans and foreign companies.
You say; “Stop boasting about our so-called resources/ technology/ knowledge and DO something, even if we have to get foreign help.”
As you know I don’t I run the country. Sometime ago, I think in April I wrote to LCN about breeding mosquitoes with fruit bacteria and releasing to the environment to minimize spread of dengue mosquitoes in the long run to eliminate them forever. And in the same comment I mentioned that we also can have a dengue vaccine same as flu vaccine as in European countries. I saw a news recently they are going to import them from European/North American countries. I have no clue whether our scientists were provided with adequate laboratory and other facilities to conduct researches for both.
These are only two examples. I have made a plethora of suggestions for many sectors for the last 2 years to LCN. Some were published some not. I did what I can do already. Now I stopped posting anymore suggestions for a reason. I don’t want this government to survive. Let us see how far I should go in 2020.
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thrishu / September 24, 2017
Our ministers approve any old rubbish as long as it is foreign and they get a handsome backhand to them. Training industry in western countries and Australia are constantly trying to increase their revenue and have been catching their fish from Asians and Africans that were economic immigrants to those countries. Now the governments are blocking such immigrants and weeding out pseudo colleges they are changing their tack and net the fish in their homelands. If our uneducated and ignorant corrupt ministers have their way, SLK would end up with a pest of fake colleges from which anyone could buy a degree of any sort. The value of the degrees would be undermined. The priority should be to develop SLK universities and to improve their standards as well as infrastructure and capacity. Put back the money these baskets scamming from banks and treasury back to national development. Selfish rogues!
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H K Seneviratne / September 24, 2017
[Edited out] Comments should not exceed 300 words. Please read our Comments Policy for further details.
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Jimsofty / September 25, 2017
There are many plans to take over Sri lanka. It is something that people discuss always. On coming elections, crashing the economy, insert their moles every where possible are such avenues. these dumb ministers are saying yes to anything as they want money for the next election. this guy may have some education n science. Yet, world politicas is completely aj different subject. They want to subjugate sri lanka and suck what ever they can that help western businesses, christian church, containing china and pivot to Asia.
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H K Seneviratne / September 25, 2017
GMOA , university students , academia and trade unions in the persistent struggle to resist SAITM to issue medical degrees that would result in a dwindling of standards of the quality of doctors and other medical practitioners produce in Sri Lanka.
Let private sector affiliate with foreign institutions establish infrastructure facilities in Sri Lanka to issue foreign degrees affiliated to the foreign institutions. But where the graduates produced by these institutions wish to serve or practice the profession in Sri Lanka.
In the case of doctors and other medical practitioners who treat poor patients in govt. hospitals are to be conforming to the standards set up by the applicable authority in Sri Lanka. The life and safety of the patients taking treatment in govt. hospitals are in the hands of the government though it provides non fee-levying medical service to people The checks and balances bestowed in upon the whole system of medical service in Sri Lanka from colonial times are to ensure this obligation . The affluent that opts for private hospital services is altogether a different issue.
If the govt. wishes, for the reasons of balance of payment, subsidize the local effluent or foreign students may accommodate in such foreign affiliated medical institutions but the practiticing in govt. hospitals could only be allowed only after satisfying the eligibility criteria in Sri Lanka. The SAITM tries to hoodwink this universally accepted norm. .
The policy decisions on education should be undertaken by competent people. People all over today mistrust not only the politicians but politics itself. This mistrust is due to political scandals, conspiracies and corruption that occur daily.
H K Seneviratnwe
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Amardasa Salgdo / September 25, 2017
Politically that popular masses called Not as Susil Prmajayantha address as Susil by nee Kalapuwewa Susil that majority electorate of votes in Colombo Districts.
He is man without a backbone of politics, that he has outrights give-up politics of SLFP ‘s Democracy over-night changing one positions to another Of UNP’s .
As Supreme court Lawyer of man he supposed to be in courts make an evidences in favor of accuses concord stories to win his case by hook or crook in Judiciary. His current politics also as same as!
This is not only that an apply this kind of politics but by Kalaplawaewa Susil >
It has been an apply too many politicians, who won Elections go behind MR campaign later join UNP leadership under MS, (New) Ranil Wicks (Old) leaders of UNP and CBK of Feudal -Federalist of SLFP.
On going by the UNP leadership that political maneuvering that Susil of Kalpauwawewa is one of the leading members SLFP-UNP blessing jointly working towards one-Party rule of Dictatorship that instead of Parliamentary Democracy in Sri lanka.
Susil want SATTIM to be legalized by UNP rulers and even without ant standard of Medical Degrees accepts by Higher Education Ministry?
While the National Free Education could be limited to Poor Students of Island that is ane idea of Kalapuawewa Susil .He is working at the aim of vital interest SATTIM students and Education privatization is top priority of UNP-SLFP new political road Map. Susil is fully behind that.
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Sirisoma / September 25, 2017
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justice / September 25, 2017
This is merely another money making commercial enterprise for rich kids who failed to enter universities here and abroad, to obtain some qualification or other.
Premajayanth will become another millionaire like Neville Fernando.
In Sri Lanka, even an O Level pass in not necessary for the best ‘job’ of all, that of a “member of parliament” – 92 of the present MPs are O Level failures.
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KAKP / September 26, 2017
Do not truest these people,They do whatever they want to safeguard their Minister position. Regardless religion or the Sinhalese protected by SWRD.
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watcher / September 26, 2017
There are 2 issues in SAITM for solution. Minister SP’s biotech degree only adds a 3rd issue.
A. Firstly, solution for SAITM MBBS is to allow internship as per court verdict and absorb current students of about 1000 over the next 5 years, under the old approved scheme as those citizens have constitutional rights & are falsely accused. Every year, well over 1000 MBBS from state are absorbed and so SAITM nos. are minute in comparison, though GMOA terror surfaces.
B. Secondly, for SAITM to start recruiting under new management or board with fresh conditions for future SAARC Medical and other training centers with or without PPP, standards, vivas etc, with or without scholarships etc, fresh legislation is needed to be discussed.
But it is wrong to ruin the present legally authorized SAITM output of well trained MBBS with free NFTH overflowing with patients, and to use it as a tool by GMOA and others for their future battles for monopoly.
SLMC inspection recommendations were fulfilled by SAITM. From beginning Govt. approved SAITM all the way, and it is responsible and accountable for SAITM, however radically corrupt with shifting mindsets and behaviours of SLMC deans are, whose students have gone outside their control. Student’s parents too out of control. Misled jokers. Govt. needs to correct them.
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observer / September 28, 2017
Biotech degree MUST separate itself from SAITM MBBS. Medical Deans, manipulating to attach SAITM elsewhere to start afresh with their “new” regulations, are tricking into a fresh trap, in their jealous insanity. Rajarata meds. have no staff, leave alone ‘standards’, and teach some occult subjects foreign to medicine, but corrupt SLMC is blind, deaf and mute on that because Carlo too fire walked. “Eastern” lacks even more, but has automatic approval. SAITM has legally approved MBBS and must receive internship justice from verdict. Lawlessness of intellectual mafia and students makes psychiatric certificates mandatory to treat patients. Seriously off the path.
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sathsidu ganasara / September 28, 2017
” Get our once world known Education back on track with the best scholars to teach our Precious children”
The politicized academia cannot deliver.What research are they reporting?
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citizen / September 29, 2017
SAITM MBBS is legal and please don’t add anymore GMOA blockages or new illegal restrictions. A mad dean is writing letters to medical students to come back, as SAITM is going to SLIIT may be the IT section. MBBS course with the now overcrowded and free NFTH is more than enough for current medical students. Any new regulations must apply only to new admissions hereafter. Cant go back to past now with illegal strategic whims and fancies to be gazetted. GMOA terror helping weird SLMC deans to help mind controlled medicos. But they and their parents need discipline, not pampering. Many state med. schools lack facilities. That should be their battle. What fire walking Carlo did in demented lawlessness, obstructing SAITM interns, need reversal. Simple
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medic / September 29, 2017
Biotechnology degree is excellent and can be developed, but it has no connection to SAITM medical degree.
SLMC registrar in a daily today confirmed that the present UGC admission criteria of minimum standards of 2 credits and a simple pass applicable to all medical students in state, KDU and SAITM, is going to change. The UGC authorizes admission criteria and SLMC as a statutory body of govt. only carries it out by registering interns who entered with those standards. SLMC has no independent dictatorial powers to do as it pleases, specially now with a court verdict saying it violated the legal Medical Ordinance, with double standards to KDU
So these changed minimum standards when gazetted will only apply to all state and private UGC new entrants into medicine from then onwards, not retrospective. SLMC is not authorized legally to set entry criteria but only apply it to local undergraduates who are already in medical schools, as this will be.challenged in courts. No law and order as SLMC deans write letters to boycotters, and want to abolish SAITM. One better than the mockery of Carlo’s abnormal fire walking.
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medic / September 30, 2017
Biotech degree if it has jealous opponents will progress similar to SAITM. It is not about standards which they will accuse to destroy anyway. It is evil, wicked and corrupt hearts.
Nobody would believe the Carlos legacy uttered “topple govt” and “never register SAITM” “spend the rest of my life on SAITM” etc which is more than lunacy compounded with GMOA terror.
SAITM MBBS who spent money to build and learn at NFTH now gifted to govt. are terrorized by govt. doctors appointed there to not see patients and learn. Patients are flooding but the drugs have been blocked. First class insanity.
Hitler, Bin Laden, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussain and VP at least built underground. They are babes compared to the terror powered SLMC “Fire walking Diabolos” terry powered into action. GMC UK should be informed of the nature and character of SLMC doctors, grabbing UGC powers of entry criteria to uni. Terry says current requirement is 2 credits and simple pass for state, KDU, SAITM. If SLMC suddenly changes criteria MIDSTREAM, how is it possible for uni and MBBS to once again go back and sit for A/L Continuity in educational policy is needed. If SAITM was allowed to enter on existing criteria, it is injustice for SLMC to suddenly slam another new requirement and refuse registration. Let there be 1 balanced SLMC thinker in that destructive asylum.
SAITM already legally UGC approved for existing students, must receive their right of internship first and any other areas only can be negotiable after that, or else MBBS will be destroyed and the students will be left with nothing which is gross and diabolical injustice.
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