22 July 2023 12:00 am Views - 310
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
The special select committee to look into developing higher education has recommended the abolition of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and replacing it with an independent “National Higher Education Commission” which is to be enacted by a new legislation.
Chairman of the Select Committee Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told journalists that the committee recommended that the National Higher Education Commission should comprise 11 members who are appointed by the President with prior approval of the Constitutional Council. The members of the Commission should be those who have achieved eminence in respective fields such as academia, professional services and management. The commission should comprise four sub-committees namely state university committee, non-state university committee, vocational education institutions, and subcommittee on quality assurance.
The select committee has recommended the establishment of universities which will be public-private partnerships and revamping the administrative system of state universities by casting responsibility for finance, good governance, accountability and transparency while preserving their autonomy. The establishment of virtual universities is also recommended.
Another recommendation is the introduction of a mixed evaluation, where students will be evaluated on the basis of both examinations and continuous assessment.
The select committee which has also focused on early childhood education and primary /secondary education has further recommended setting up bodies to monitor early childhood education institutions and all private schools.