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State undergrads march against fee hikes at OUSL
View(s):Undergraduates this week staged a protest march demanding abolition of fees levied by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) and the privatisation of the Education sector. They marched from the OUSL in Nawala to Fort Railway Station on Wednesday. However, the Ministry of Higher Education stands firm on the revised fee structures for the OUSL, said Ministry Secretary P. Ranepura.
On the 70th day of its sathyagraha opposite the OUSL, its organisers and the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) marched to demand that authorities reduced the fees for some of the Courses offered by the OUSL. However, Mr. Ranepura said that the university has already granted the reductions in fees that are possible. Explaining that the OUSL has to sustain the institution with minimum Govt. support, he said it was necessary to levy fees.
“OUSL is not a traditional university. The structure is different and it offers opportunities to those who are employed or who were not able to gain university admission,” he explained.
The university has already revised fees once, consequent to protests by students, and has slashed fees by almost 40% of the original fees.
Accordingly, the much disputed fees charged for the Engineering Degree was first raised to Rs 49 500 for the 1st and 2nd years, but was subsequently reduced to Rs 31,500, following student protests.
“Further, OUSL gives bursaries to students who are unable to pay fees, and the OUSL has also decided to give scholarships to those who excel. the Vice Chancellor says that expenditure has increased, with external resource persons being paid Rs 1,500 an hour, from Rs 500 previously. Hence, the increase in fees is justified,” Mr Ranepura explained.
Further, the Secretary alleged that it was only a handful of students who are agitating, while almost 99% of the students islandwide are continuing their studies without an issue.
However, IUSF Convener, Nadith Indika claimed that the ministry is not paying attention to their appeals, without even giving a chance for a discussion.
“We sent another letter requesting a discussion last week, but got no reply. The only thing they know is to further restrict us. Last week OUSL students were banned from staying on within the university after 6 pm, and the police was called in,” he said.
- Chathuri Dissanayake