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Visit varsity hostels, report necessary action- Prof Wijesinha directs VCs
View(s):On Prof Rajiva Wijesinha’s instructions, Vice Chancellors (VC) of all State universities have been directed by the Higher Education Ministry to submit reports on shortcomings of all hostel facilities managed by their institutions.
State Minister for Higher Education Prof Rajiva Wijesinha in consultation with Vice Chancellors
This followed discussions between State Minister for Higher Education, Prof Wijesinha and the VCs under the 100-Day programme, said Higher Education Secretary, Piyasena Ranepura.
“Each VC has to personally visit all hostel facilities and check on their shortcomings. We have received complaints about the facilities and we wish to find out what the needs are,” Mr. Ranepura said.
“The VCs have not visited any hostels to enquire into the state of the student facilities,” Mr. Ranepura claimed.
Apart from building new hostels, the existing ones have to be repaired and improved, he said, adding that, doing so will also help improve students’ attitudes as well.
Colombo University hostel which caught fire, is in a deplorable condition, claimed Medical Faculty Student Society President, Marian Suranjith.
“A comprehensive report pertaining to the facilities, was handed over to the Colombo VC when he visited the facility. We requested him to give it to the minister,” he said. According to him, students living in the resident facility have very limited hostel facilities, with about 50 students using one toilet. The wiring system which caused the fire is a safety hazard, while the drainage system is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The VCs have also been advised to encourage extracurricular activities such as sports among the students.
“We should help them improve by affording them opportunities in those fields,” Mr Ranepura said.
“An in-house training programme to develop students’ academic skills and prepare them for their university career, would replace the Leadership Training conducted despite severe opposition. The new programme will also include developing teamwork skills, positive thinking and leadership skills for newcomers,” Mr Ranepura said.
“This programme which is being finalised now, will start from next year,” he claimed. (DW)