A constitutional change is needed

-Prof. Rohana Laxman Piyadasa-2017-07-21

Professor Rohana Laxman Piyadasa, a lecturer of mass media, reflected on the
SAITM issue, unrest in universities, the forming of a new constitution and the
act proposed by the government to control media. Here are excerpts of the
interview.
If there are obstacles in the path to their education, it becomes a social
issue
Are there parents in our country who can spend Rs 15 million for their
childrens education?
I hold the view that Universities should be independent
I notice a downfall in the Trade union culture of Sri Lanka
There are more than one hundred thousand parents who have lost their
children
QAt Present there are crucial issues connected with the Universities. The
Universities were closed due to student unrest, SAITM, and the spread of
epidemics. Now Katubedda University has been closed suddenly. Why is this?

The countrys youth student population is categorized as a generation of

intellectuals that will one day take over the future of a country. If there are
obstacles in the path to their education, it becomes

a social issue. In an
undeveloped country like ours, students continuing with their higher education
face sicknesses, contact viruses, experience epidemics and other economic
constraints. When any one of this happens its a pathetic sight. Elders of a society
should intervene and manage such a situation.

Q Some University students boycott lectures while others carry out protests.
Arent these hints there are other issues bothering University students?

The central issue concerning students is the presence of SAITM. The core issue of
SAITM revolves around equality. There are many who qualify for University
admission. Theres no way that everyone can enjoy state sponsored higher
education. Given this scenario the affluent have options to continue higher studies
and obtain degrees. This has led to frustration among the dejected student
community.
Every government that came to power kept blaming the media, following a typical
political culture. This has been amply proved after the 70s. Every government
walks on the back of journalists and once assuming power they keep on attacking
them, carry on investigations against them and ill treat them
QIsnt the SAITM issue you mentioned connected with a problem regarding a
private university more than with the frustration of undergraduates?
In a developing country like ours, which is plagued by an anomaly in the
distribution of income and problems regarding universities, providing equal
education opportunities to the youth can bring a resolve.This solution will help
minimise the frustration of students. Since Independence our youth have featured
in three mass uprisings. The number of, lives lost, the children who were disabled
and the several hundred thousands who left the country is great. They stood up

against social injustice and inequality and

demanded social consideration. These were their demands. But the political
scenario present failed to offer solutions to their political, social, cultural, ethnic
and religious issues. As a result they got into positions where they would even risk
their lives. Therefore its necessary to address the present situation keeping in
mind the past historical background of everything that has led to this.

Q Then what is the solution?

Policy makers, politicians, political groups, intellectuals, and administrators should

join together in finding a solution. Unfortunately this is taking much time. The
SAITM issue has dragged on for more than four years, during which time more
than 200 students have been banned from attending lectures. There have been
protests and demonstrations in Colombo on more than 60 occasions. They
resulted in the loss of millions of man hours which were brought about due to the
traffic congestion they caused. This type of situation is unbearable to a developing
country like ours. Its not correct to subject the entire student community to
suffering due to the work of a few hundred undergraduates.
QThere is a talk that the Peradeniya and Colombo Universities will be made
independent.
There have been protests and demonstrations in Colombo on more than 60
occasions. They resulted in the loss of millions of man hours which were brought
about due to the traffic congestion they caused. This type of situation is
unbearable to a developing country like ours

I feel that this is a move towards having a parallel establishment with the state
sector where entrance will be by payment. Are there parents in our country who
can spend Rs 15 million for their childrens education? With the prevailing tax
structure in the country, how can there be a provision to spend so much? black
money has been in circulation in very large amounts. During the recent past, black
money has been in circulation in very large amounts due to the presence of the
free trade economy. When there is an opportunity to obtain a degree from a
University at a cost of Rs 3.5 million, how can anyone afford to pay between Rs 15-
20 Million to obtain a degree? Doesnt this show an anomaly in income levels?

Q Do you mean to say that a rich person has no right to education?

Are we trying to have a repeat of the 1971 insurgency by violating the rights of
students (Who missed university by a few marks) have to enjoy social
opportunities? Animosity, frustration, despair and stress have become major
social trends which are creating social issues. We should look at the issue in this
manner.

QIn most countries universities are independent. Is it bad for our country to have
independent universities?

I hold the view that universities should be independent. People should be able to
express independent views, carry out independent research, present conflicting
views and form ideologies. For all this to happen, independence is necessary. This
independence is present in our establishments already. Are they trying to give a
new kind of independence to the two universities you mentioned and refrain from
offering that to the other Universities? I personally feel that there is some issue
here.

QThe Doctors were getting ready to strike over the removal of Prof Carlo Fonseka.
The doctors are holding patients as hostages whenever there is a slight reason for
them to strike. Do you justify it.
I notice a downfall in the trade union culture of Sri Lanka. In strikes launched in
1947 and 1950, the most sensitive groups were kept away from joining in these
forces who stopped work. They were well organized. The entire Port was at a
standstill. Train services were disrupted. Highways were blocked. Distribution of
food was severely affected. Offices were completely deserted, but they never
disrupted the health services. There were token strikes. I dont condone striking
over the removal of Prof Carlo Fonseka from the SLMC. But I say that their
demands are justifiable.

QThe government seems to be in conflict with the Maha Sangha over the forming
of a new Constitution.

The government has unnecessarily invited unwanted parties for debates by not
acting in a proper manner regarding certain matters. In a religious society like
ours, the clergy is a sensitive group. By involving a sensitive group like that severe
issues have emerged. A responsible government must move ahead with a clear
vision regarding the principles thatll definite the new constitution. Its important
for the government to have a dialogue with this sensitive group regarding the new
constitution. Without acting in a responsible manner and calling everybody for
this debate, will lead to anarchy in the country.

QWhat is your opinion on the constitutional changes?

Elections lead to sudden fires and shootings. We witnessed unrest among ethnic
groups. Refugees have been created. There is an advent of foreign armies.
Libraries have been set on fire. There are more than 50,000 mothers who are
widows in the North. There are more than one hundred thousand parents who
have lost their children. A large number of war heroes are being looked after by
us. These are the by-products of our constitution. Therefore its necessary to
change it. Decisions taken to restore power must be implemented. A constitution
that will remove suspicion and doubt and one that embraces all should be
enacted.

QThere is much argument about the Missing Persons act. The opposition is
vehemently opposing it. Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera says that it will be
effective only in future situations and those who oppose it belong to a group that
supports the white van culture, killings and abductions.
Have The USA and UK, who are advising us on Human rights, or the EU passed this
type of act?

QJust because they havent adopted this act, can we follow such one?

Is it our requirement? Did such a problem surface from among our people? The
present laws provide ample opportunities to find a solution when dealing with a
death thats associated with doubt. Under such circumstances we can always find
some provisions. During the unrest in 88/89 more than 60,000 deaths took place
in the South. There was a great demand to investigate in to these deaths. Have
they done any justice to these demands? Have they even held any police
investigation? I wish that this country has its own agenda when dealing with such
matters.

QThe Government is preparing a Media authority act. Do you think such an

enactment is necessary?
Those in the Media believe that this is an attempt by the government to control
the media.
We as lecturers of Mass Media, presented a set of proposals to President
Maithripala Sirisena and Government Information Department on World Mass
Media day last year. These proposals specify how the mass media in our country
should be reformed. But up to now they have not spoken to us or the other
lecturers of mass media regarding these proposals. For whose benefit are they
bringing proposal for Mass Media without obtaining the views of the teachers of
mass media?
In a developing country like ours, which is plagued by an anomaly in the
distribution of income and problems regarding universities, providing equal
education opportunities to the youth can bring a resolve
QThen what are they aiming at by bringing in this new bill?

They are trying to pass an act to regulate information. We feel that this shouldnt
be done. This is anti democratic. Right now, rules and regulations should be
established to resolve the issues connected with ownership of media, salaries of
journalists, security of their profession, guidelines on media ethics, training of
journalists and several other matters. This proposed bill doesnt cover any of
these. Therefore its necessary that the provisions of this bill be studied in detail
and steps are taken to rectify these shortcomings. Every government that came to
power kept blaming the media, following a typical political culture. This has been
amply proved after the 70s. Every government walks on the back of journalists
and once assuming power they keep on attacking them, carry on investigations
against them and ill treat them. Its a pity that there is no healthy relationship
between the cultures practised by the media and politicians. There should be an
open debate on this matter.
Posted by Thavam