Rising cost of living in Malaysia leaves university students hungry

Due to increasing costs of living, more Malaysians are offering suspended meals, where people can pay for food to be given to those in need.

by Asian Correspondent Staff -15th January 2016 

By Genna Ash

A SURVEY of 25,632 students from six public universities in Malaysia has revealed that more than half are left unable to afford a single meal a day due to the rising cost of living.

Rising cost of living in Malaysia leaves university students hungry.odt by Thavam Ratna

False emissions reporting undermines China's pollution fight

Smoke billows from the chimneys of a heating plant in Jilin, Jilin province, China, in this January 8, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/Stringer/Files

BY DAVID STANWAY AND KATHY CHEN-Mon Jan 18, 2016

Widespread misreporting of harmful gas emissions by Chinese electricity firms is threatening the country's attempts to rein in pollution, with government policies aimed at generating cleaner power struggling to halt the practice.

Coal-fired power accounts for three-quarters of China's total generation capacity and is a major source of the toxic smog that shrouded much of the country's north last month, prompting "red alerts" in dozens of cities, including the capital Beijing.

But the government has found it hard to impose a tougher anti-pollution regime on the power sector, with China's energy administration describing it as a "weak link" in efforts to tackle smog caused by gases such as sulfur dioxide.

No official data on the extent of the problem has been released since a government audit in 2013 found hundreds of power firms had falsified emissions data, although authorities have continued to name and shame individual operators.

"There is no guarantee of avoiding under-reporting (of emissions) at local plants located far away from supervisory bodies. Coal data is very fuzzy," said a manager with a state-owned power company, who did not want to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The manager said firms could easily exaggerate coal efficiency by manipulating their numbers. For example, power companies that also provided heating for local communities could overstate the amount of coal used for heat generation, which is not subject to direct monitoring, and understate the amount used for power.

"Data falsification is a long-standing problem: China will not get its environmental house in order if it does not deal with this first," said Alex Wang, an expert in Chinese environmental law at UCLA.

TOUGHER RULES

Beijing has been toughening and extending its environmental protection laws in recent years. Amended legislation which came into force at the start of 2015 gave authorities more power to punish firms and officials responsible for violations, including falsifying data, subjecting them to unlimited fines and threats of closure.

Coal emission violations cost power producers 635 million yuan ($98 million) in lost subsidies and fines last year, while at least 10 thermal power companies have paid 519 million yuan n fines since 2013 for misusing emissions control equipment in order to meet targets and get subsidies.

Last November, China's environment ministry named two generators in the northeastern province of Liaoning for data fraud as part of a move to publicly shame operators.

In its latest bid to curb pollution, China's cabinet in December ordered all coal-fired power firms to reduce pollutants like sulfur dioxide by 60 percent by 2020, saying it would close inefficient plants and promote advanced low-emissions technology through subsidies.

As an incentive, it offered increased payments to generators that upgrade facilities, with total subsidies estimated to be worth 42 billion yuan ($6.4 billion) a year.

Yet for power plants already under pressure from crippling overcapacity and slowing demand growth, threats of heavy fines or forced closures also offers a powerful incentive to massage emissions numbers.

HALTING FRAUD

The environment ministry acknowledged in December that "a minority of firms were still manipulating emissions control equipment and falsifying data in an attempt to avoid supervision".

To help counter fraud, the government has set up continuous emissions monitoring systems that can share real-time pollution readings with authorities, but critics say these can be manipulated and only cover big state-owned firms.

"The coal power sector has strengthened standards ahead of others, but to really motivate the change to happen, the law must be enforced and that depends on data quality," said Ma Jun, director at the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, a non-government organization that campaigns for improved pollution monitoring in China.

Tougher enforcement was also needed.

"The law is not enough," Ma said. "It states that they could even be put in jail, but so far we haven't seen many cases like that."

Environmental group Greenpeace said in December that some plants it investigated in eastern China's Jiangsu province even recorded "negative" emissions, according to data submitted to authorities by the companies.

All 12 of the plants it investigated exceeded emission limits on sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in 2015, the group said.

($1 = 6.5772 Chinese yuan)

(Editing by Richard Pullin)

Pattern of brain chatter 'clue to anaesthesia response'

15 January 2016

Taking readings of brain activity before patients go for surgery could help doctors give a more accurate dose of anaesthetic, researchers suggest.

At present, a patient's body weight is the main factor in deciding the dose.

But a University of Cambridge study indicated people with high levels of brain connectivity or "chatter" needed a larger dose to put them under.

And this could help doctors work out exactly the amount of anaesthetic a patient requires to become unconscious.

The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, looked at how the brain's electric signals changed in 20 healthy volunteers given a common anaesthetic called propofol.

They were then asked to press different buttons when they heard different sounds.

After reaching the maximum dose, some were still pressing buttons, while others were unconscious.

The "chatter" or connectivity between areas of the brain was much more pronounced in those who were still conscious.

And when the research team looked at brain activity when the participants were awake, using readings from an electroencephalogram (EEG), they found similar differences.

Brain network activity reduced in some participants given an anaesthetic - but some remained conscious

Lead study author Dr Srivas Chennu, from the University of Cambridge department of clinical neurosciences, said: "The greater the network activity at the start, the more anaesthetic they are likely to need to put them under."

He said brain "chatter" was not a measure of brain power.

"It varies from day to day as well as from person to person," he said.

"It can be related to the amount of coffee you've drunk or how much sleep you've had."

The research was still in its early stages, he added.

Dr Richard Marks, vice-president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said: "It's actually very difficult to tell when a patient is asleep or not.

"We need something that is reliable, specific and easy-to-use to help us."

Administering too much anaesthetic could cause side-effects, including heart attacks and strokes, he added.

Hundreds of Jaffna students protest against private colleges 16 January 2016 Hundreds of students in Jaffna took to the streets earlier this week, to protest against government plans to establish private medical colleges. Wearing their white coats, over 600 students took part in the rally, which started at the medical faculty in Thirunelveliand progressed down Palali road to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. The students held placards that read "money doesn't measure intelligence" and "Rise up for justice!" at the rally. See more photos below.

Limiting The Human Rights Of Buddhist Monks!

By Chandre Dharmawardana –January 16, 2016

Prof. Chandre Dharmawardana

The Minster for `Parliamentary reforms and Mass Media’ is said to have proposed a bill to curb a number of human rights enjoyed by one section of the Sri Lankan public who are eligible to vote – namely, the Buddhist monks. For instance, they are to be denied the right to drive a motorized vehicle while other voters as well as ordained members of other religions are not subject to such a limitation. An even more bizarre piece of proposed legislation is to “prevent them from engaging in occult science”!

What are these “occult sciences”? Astrology? Palmistry? Casting out devils?, Blessing people? Invoking the power of the Gods, or of the triple gem (The Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha)?

Carrying out “Deva Pooja” or “Buddha Pooja”? Chanting words that are claimed to have special powers? Providing such chanted strings (“pirith nool”, bracelets), “Yantha” (amulets and Talismans) to politicians? Advising people regarding the occult question of what they should do to ensure a good life after birth? Does the minister consider “Ayurveda” also as an occult science?

That the minster even thought of enacting such a law clearly suggests that he is clearly under the control of some very dangerous occult and heinous forces. Perhaps Beelzebub himself. What he needs is to organize a large scale “Bali-Thovil” in the parliament itself to drive out the demons that have taken residence there. If that is “occult science”, then he should see other specialists in Mulleriyawa or Angoda.Read More

UNHRC Means Business and SL will Have to Deliver: UK Minister

( Hugo Swire meeting President Sirisena in Colombo)

 

16/01/2016

Sri Lanka will have to demonstrate by June that it has made significant and credible progress in achieving the commitment made to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last September over issues of truth and accountability, UK’s Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire said yesterday.“The UNHRC will look at the progress made by Sri Lanka in its June session, and it will be important for Sri Lanka to demonstrate significant and credible progress by then,” Mr. Swire who briefed journalists at the end of his three-day visit to the country said.

 

He said that, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who will be visiting Sri Lanka shortly, is serious about the June deadline for the government to meet its commitments. “Prince Zed who I spoke to recently, is coming to Sri Lanka quite soon, and he is very certain that June is not just a cosmetic ticking the box exercise. It is to really measure that some of these long term measures are going to be properly addressed.” he said.

Mr. Swire who met with President Maithrpala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera during his visit said, there have been many positive developments in Sri Lanka in the past 12 months.

Particularly in the North, he said the climate of fear and mistrust has evaporated. “I genuinely believe that it’s a very different place. This government deserves credit for moving very quickly on these matters, but there is a long way to go,” he added.
During his stay Mr. Swire visited the North and took part in the National Thai Pongal celebrations there, and also held talks with Northern PC Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran.

He said there were concerns in the North at the pace at which land under the military is being returned, but acknowledged that a considerable amount of land had been returned. “There is clearly a huge expectation from this government. But frankly, this government is doing things as quickly as they can and there is a real commitment from the Prime Minister to hand back more land,” he said.

He added the government is taking on a lot onto its plate. “It’s working on a new Constitution, it has to a deal with the families of disappeared, the legal processes, and deal with the economy during a vulnerable period when oil prices are down. But it is a government with huge commitment and huge energy, and it will deliver,” he said

Sunday Times

Let us sit and discuss the problems of the northern people – Ranil

Jan 16, 2016

Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe promised that he is ready to discuss the problems including the land problems of the people in the north.

Prime minister said this when he participated as the chief guest for the national Thaipongal festival.

The Prime minister accepted the fact that 4600 acres of lands in the north are still being possessed by the military responding to a question raised by the northern chief minister as how the Tamil people would celebrate the thaipongal at a time when the Tamil people’s problems has still not been resolved.

The prime minister said the government is ready to resolve the problems by discussion identifying the lands meant for development, necessary for the use of the people and lands needed for the security.

The chief minister complained that the northern people still receive government information’s and instruction only from the Sinhala language.

Prime minister said that Tamil speaking people are joined not only to the police but to the security forces and said as an initial step he has instructed minister Ruwan Wijewardana to start cadetting in the schools of the north and east.

The prime minister said not only the Tamil people but some political parties in the south also complain about the prevention of terrorism act which he believes as an outdated law and he said he is focusing his attention to introduce a new law which is still in force in the UK.

The prime minister who gave his comments regarding the new constitution said that his government would speak with all the provincial councils and other stakeholders and introduce a new transparent constitution.

“We don’t need a draft constitution. We are not ready to create a constitution with G.L. Pieris’s Junta which passed the 18th amendment.

Former president Chndrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga and the Asian affairs minister of the UK. Hugo Swire also participated.

Wither Media Freedom?

by Ashanthi Warunasuriya-Saturday, January 16, 2016

A vibrant democracy needs independent and impartial media – especially in this day of digital age.  An independent media can only thrive if the freedom of journalists and media personnel to investigate and report facts in compliance with professional standards without outside influence while protecting editorial independence is guaranteed.

Wither Media Freedom by Thavam Ratna

Sri Lankan Peace Process Would Have Benefitted from Greater International Effort, says Former Negotiator

From left: Bharath Gopalaswamy, Director of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, moderates a discussion with Mark Salter, author of To End a Civil War; Erik Solheim, a former chief negotiator in the Sri Lankan peace process; and Richard L. Armitage, who has served as Deputy Secretary of State in the George W. Bush administration, at the Atlantic Council in Washington on January 14. The panel discussed efforts to end the war in Sri Lanka. The war ended with the defeat of Tamil separatists in 2009. (Atlantic Council/Ben Polsky)

BY MITCH HULSE-JANUARY 15, 2016

A broader international commitment would have ensured the success of an effort to end an over two-decade-long war between the Sri Lankan military and Tamil separatists, Erik Solheim, a former peace negotiator, said at the Atlantic Council on January 14. 

In the absence of such a commitment, the Sri Lankan military continued a fierce offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fighters as ceasefire agreements between the warring sides collapsed. In May of 2009, the government announced that it had defeated the separatists, bringing the curtain down on a 26-year war. More than 100,000 people are believed to have lost their lives, at least 40,000 of them in the war’s final days. 

India, Japan, and Norway offered diplomatic and logistical support during the effort to broker peace between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. But, Solheim said, “a broader and stronger coalition of outside international players was needed.” 

Solheim, a Norwegian politician and former chief negotiator in the Sri Lankan peace process, participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center. Richard L. Armitage, who has served as Deputy Secretary of State in the George W. Bush administration; and Mark Salter, author of To End a Civil War, which recounts the mediation efforts in Sri Lanka, were also part of the panel. Bharath Gopalaswamy, Director of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center moderated the discussion.

Until its full disbandment in 2009, the LTTE was a highly effective militant organization that specialized in using terror tactics to execute its secessionist operations against the Sri Lankan government. Solheim led a team of negotiators in 2002 to oversee ceasefire talks that broke down in 2006. 

In dealing with such an entrenched, polarized, and drawn-out conflict, Solheim said patience was paramount from the first day on the ground: “Only if you can be patient and accept that there will be ups and downs then you can potentially have some impact on the path to peace.”

Solheim identified specific challenges surrounding the diplomatic mission—namely, the dearth of information his team had on dealing with senior officials in both the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. “We needed a bigger team to tap into Tamil-Sinhala relationships and more importantly, we needed to gain insight into the unique leadership of the Tamil Tigers,” he said. “At the end of the day it was about this.”

A broader coalition of international players would have also helped this effort, he added.

Armitage said constant antagonism and negligence from senior Sri Lankan and LTTE leaders prevented the peace process from seriously progressing. “The lesson from Sri Lanka for all of us is that you can’t want peace more than the participant parties want peace,” he said.

Further, Armitage discussed the importance of engaging all parties in diplomatic discussions despite their combat tactics. Salter agreed. “For all the political rhetoric against engaging terrorist groups in diplomatic discussion, the reality on the ground...for this particular conflict was that was precisely what was required,” said Salter. In the end, the Norwegian-sponsored peace mission depended on bipartisan unity between the government and the LTTE. In order to achieve this unity, more legitimate engagement with the LTTE leadership needed to occur, he noted.

While Solheim, Armitage, and Salter agreed on maintaining contextual priorities throughout the Sri Lankan peace mediation, they all understood crosscutting political engagement and proper expertise as cornerstones for civil conflict resolution.

“The idea of political settlement…is about applying international pressure, diplomatic expertise, and foreign assistance,” said Salter.

The Sri Lankan army has been accused of committing mass murder of civilians during the war. A United Nations panel of experts found that “multiple sources of information indicate that a range of up to 40,000 civilian deaths cannot be ruled out” in the war’s final days. A Sri Lankan government estimate, however, put the figure at around 9,000.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed a Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission to look into the allegations against the military. The commission cleared the military of any wrongdoing, a conclusion Amnesty International dismissed as “flawed.” 

Rajapaksa’s successor, Maithripala Sirisena, has, however, been credited with advancing the reconciliation process since the end of the war. On Sirisena’s first anniversary in office this month, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonsaid he is “encouraged by the government's commitment to a broad reform agenda that aims to realize durable peace, stability and prosperity for the Sri Lankan people.”

Despite the ramifications of the failed peace process, including allegations ofgovernment corruption and potential war crimes, Solheim remains optimistic.

“We are now in the most hopeful time in modern Sri Lankan history...There has never been a better chance at getting it right,” he said.

Mitch Hulse is an intern at the Atlantic Council.

Replacing sycophancy with a culture of criticism

• Sunday, January 17, 2016

One year into the appealing rhetoric of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration, it is heartening to see Sri Lanka’s artistes and scholars, whose peoples’ movements were pivotal to the change of power last year, becoming increasingly stern in their tone and tenor.

Critical voices to be heard

This critical approach must not be limited to optics or to a few dramatic speeches for public consumption. Instead, politicians who protest that they are upholding good governance but act completely in contrast must be berated on public stages to street corners and teashops.

True, our politicians are seldom ashamed. This is illustrated by the audacity with which former President Chandrika Kumaratunga holds forth on judicial integrity despite the stubborn fact that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka commenced its venture into the ‘political thicket’ with her connivance if not complicity at the time. Executive decisions were taken quite deliberately by that Presidency to ‘tame’ courageous judges and reward others who eagerly responded to the crack of the political whip. The Rajapaksas only developed this further, stamping their distinctive mark of crudity on the process. So when a critique is made of the judiciary, the accusatory finger must be turned inwards. The issue is very much systemic rather than limited to a particular Presidency, Jayawardene, Kumaratunga or Rajapaksa as the case may be.

But there is little expectation of this. Blatant hypocrisy has been the ruling marker of our degenerated political class and its sycophants. Those who sang hosannas to the Rajapaksa regime now write fervently in praise of new faces in town. Others accept government positions even as they discard with alacrity, the very search for justice that they swore by not so long ago. These aberrations aside however, there are many decent and ordinary citizens who withstood Rajapaksa blandishments and voted for a change only to look in understandable consternation at the status quo. These are the voices which should be heard, in greater force.

Addressing impunity at its core

And as much as street dramas highlighted Rajapaksa atrocities leading to artistes being assaulted during the January 2015 presidential poll campaign, this practice of dissent must continue. A culture of criticism must replace the culture of political sycophancy which Sri Lankans are generally familiar with.

At least the fear of assault in response thereto is not as high as before, even though this phenomenon is a many headed hydra as students sitting for the Higher National Diploma in Accountancy discovered to their cost when they were brutally assaulted by the police recently. A purported new era of governance notwithstanding, the National Police Commission hemmed and hawed, finally deciding that ‘higher police officials’ could not be censured. Instead, it reportedly ‘ordered’ the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take ‘necessary disciplinary action’ against six errant police officers.

The National Human Rights Commission handed down a more rigorously reasoned order on the incident but what were the practical consequences thereafter? A few policemen were transferred out and reportedly one was suspended. Both bodies recommended those aggrieved must be compensated. But is this sufficient to address systemic impunity that prevails?

Indeed, not much time lapsed before police brutality took place at Embilipitiya when local area policemen demanded that residents of the area who were having a private event at a home, give them free liquor. Upon refusal to do so, the scuffle turned deadly resulting in the death of the homeowner. The consequent fury of area residents led to the Special Task Force being called to the area to prevent further escalation of tensions. Here too, the solution (reportedly) has been to transfer the policemen out. This appears to be the stock answer to such situations. But does this actually solve the problem?

What hope does accountability have?

To add insult to injury, provincial journalists covering the magisterial proceedings into the Embilipitiya death were manhandled by the police and their notebooks removed by force. Apparently the court sergeant had been acting under orders from a ‘higher authority.’ Under what provision of the law do the police act in this manner, absent a direction by the presiding judge? Who institutes inquiry into such a clear abuse of power?

These are salutary lessons for optimists who believed that the mere establishing of independent ‘constitutional commissions’ would correct systemic abuses. As we saw under the 17th Amendment and see now as well, this scarcely disturbs the surface of Sri Lanka’s impunity crisis, merely creating slight ripples that are disregarded with ease by the political establishment. Where ordinary law enforcement is not attended with the political will to ensure accountability, what hope can minority Tamils have in expecting justice for war-time abuses? When the existing law is not properly implemented, what hope does a new Constitution have? These are questions that must justifiably be asked in the spirit of constructive inquiry.

Rejecting a policy of appeasement

Some entertain the fear that criticism of the fragile coalition Government might pave the way for the return of the Rajapaksas. There is a curious analogy at play here. This is the same policy of appeasement which was touted during the 2002-2003 peace talks between the Wickremesinghe government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Despite notorious abuses committed by the LTTE against the Tamil people, even the faintest whisper of condemnation attracted anxious pleas to abstain lest the LTTE leave the ceasefire process altogether. In fact, those who did raise concerns were ostracized and labeled as spoilers.

In retrospect of course, that policy was naïve if not foolish. Quite apart from what turned out to be a farcical peace process, this led to many otherwise rational Sri Lankans being convinced that this hands-off criticism policy was an unforgivable betrayal of the nation. This was the start of an ultra-nationalist backlash which later brought in a Rajapaksa ‘monarchy’ under which the end of war brought no relief and Sri Lanka’s remaining democratic freedoms were ruthlessly suppressed. Unfortunately we never seem to learn from history.

Indeed, the silence of critical voices at this stage is exactly what will prevent a Rajapaksa-return. It is as simple as that. Our entire effort must be to prevent such a monstrous eventuality with all its communalistic and racial undertones, pushing Sri Lanka back into even worse regression than what we have seen thus far.

Monks cry foul over new bill presented to Parliament

By admin on January 15, 2016 

Buddhist monks have raised concerns on the new bill presented to Parliament which they claim is an attempt to have control over the monks.

The National Bhikku Front said that the bill has been submitted without having proper consultations with the Buddhist clergy.

The National Bhikku Fron claimed the the bill is being used to divert attention from key issues faced by the Government which took office last year.

The Theravadi Bhikkhu Kathikawath bill, which provides for every monk to act in compliance with the registered Chapter which relates to the monk, was presented in Parliament this week.

The Government said that the main purpose of the proposed law is not to control or give punishment to a monk but to protect the Buddha Sasana.

The Government said that monks who act in violation of the provisions of any registered Buddhist Chapter will be subjected to punishment. (Colombo Gazette)

Unique Opportunity to resolve National Problems Together – NPC

President Sirisena and coalition parties has duty to address the Tamil issues ( Photo: PMD)

The election of a new President with a mandate for good governance is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to make a fresh effort to achieve the post-war justice and reconciliation that has eluded it. The National Peace Council congratulates President Maithripala Sirisena on his election. We appreciate the smoothness of the transition and are relieved at the absence of post-election violence. However, we regret that the election campaign exacerbated the fears and divisions amongst the people. In particular we were dismayed at the manner in which huge amounts of war and conflict-related propaganda were shown on the state and private media as well as the fact that such propaganda seems to have swayed a significant segment of the Sinhalese people to vote for the ruling party candidate despite transgressions exposed by the joint opposition. So the first need of the new government is to dampen Sinhalese fears while seeking to rectify the grievances of the Tamil and Muslim people.

President Maithiripala Sirisena campaigned on a platform of good governance in which instituting a system of checks and balances and de-politicising key public institutions will take pride of place. The National Peace Council calls on the new President and political parties that rallied around him, which include political parties dedicated to achieving the interests of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities, to address the vexed issue of a political solution to the ethnic conflict and to ensure the restoration of land and lost rights to the people and the truth about missing and detained persons is ascertained. There is also a need to de-couple the military from civil affairs, not only the North and East, but throughout the country. We urge this to be done in a spirit of common enterprise rather than on bargaining and negotiating which will be divisive.

We call on activists from all shades of political persuasions to desist from recourse to violence in word and deed and to contribute to reconciliation between opposing shades of political opinions, religious and ethnic divisions and help to build on the rainbow coalition that contributed to the victory of President Maithripala Sirisena. We also see the need for educational programmes to heal the minds of the people and to emphasise the need for national reconciliation. A permanent solution will take time and care. Positive steps need to be taken to understand the issues of communities and integrate them ensuring their rights and dignity is assured wherever they choose to live.

The National Peace Council is hopeful that having engaged in a common struggle to regain democracy, the political parties that form the President’s alliance will have developed enough trust and understanding between themselves to reach out to each other and compromise on their differences. President Sirisena’s victory presents an opening for discussion among political parties of different ideological orientations in the background of a joint achievement – the victory of their common candidate and the joining together of political parties and politicians from across the political spectrum in the new government. They are now all on the same side, and this would be the best opportunity to work out a mutually acceptable solution.

Governing Council /NPC

The National Peace Council is an independent and non partisan organization that works towards a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

Medical education in Sri Lanka: Need for urgent reform

• by Hilmy Ahamed 
• - on 01/16/2016 

Medical education in Sri Lanka commenced in 1870 with the establishment of the Ceylon Medical College. It became the Faculty of Medicine in 1942 with the establishment of the University of Ceylon.  Sri Lanka produced well-recognized doctors who practice around the world with the quality education they received in our medical colleges.  Post graduate studies in medicine for MRCP, FRCS, FFARCS, MRCOG, FRCR, MRCPath, MRCPsych, FDSRCS were not available until recently and had to be undertaken abroad, which were recognized by the Ministry of Health.

The demand for medical education has been growing with the state universities unable to cope with the rising demand. The limited opportunities in state medical colleges locally have compelled thousands of students who aspire to be doctors to seek universities abroad. Less than 20% of the eligible candidates who pass the General Certificate of Education, Advanced level are chosen for University admission to study for different undergraduate programs. The rest have to choose other fields of study or go abroad. Private campuses, some affiliated to foreign universities offer various non-medical degrees in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) has continued to refuse acceptance of local or foreign institutions offering medical degrees locally, even though the university grants commission has approved medical education institutes. The SLMC has no qualms of accepting foreign Medical degrees of questionable universities from a number of countries in the former Soviet Republic, China and the SAARC region. Some of these universities offer medical degrees even with O’ Level education and a foundation course, like for many other undergraduate courses. The SLMC does not accept this qualification for registration, but these students are able to practice in many countries around the world.

The state universities do not accept students from international schools that follow the London curricula either. It is estimated that over a hundred thousand students are following the London O’ Level and A’ Level syllabi in these schools. These students are deprived of a university education in their home country.  Where do they go? The affordable universities are in countries that have standards far below ours. Why is it that those who are willing to pay cannot get  quality medical education locally?

To fill this void, a visionary investor, Dr. Neville Fernando set up the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) with a thousand-bed teaching hospital. The medical Mafia decided to boycott this institution and The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) has urged the Health Ministry not to recognize medical degrees awarded by the South Asian Institute of Technology & Medicine (SAITM), highlighting the accusations of a faulty approval process and implying that the private medical faculty has insufficient clinical facilities. These may be valid reasons, but this cannot be used against the students who are now completing their five year course of medical studies.

On an application by the current medical students studying at SAITM, and with the consent of the Ministry of Health, the Supreme Court directed the Health Ministry to provide teaching and clinical facilities for the students of the SAITM campus at the Avissawela Base Hospital and the Kaduwela MOH. Today, medical students of state universities have started a campaign against this decision by staging protests on the streets. Is this not contempt of court? Should they not be arrested?

The University Grants Commission and the Sri Lanka Medical Council ask for minimum grades of 2C and 1S (2 Credit Passes and 1 Simple Pass) in the Advanced Level Examination to register as medical professionals in Sri Lanka, after having completed the Degree in Medicine, ERPM exams and an internship period of 12 months.  All these students who graduate from SAITM or any other foreign university will have this minimum requirement.

The undergraduates who are protesting on the streets are blinded by selfish personal agendas or are misled by political groups with vested interests.  These students have enjoyed the perks of free education from the primary until they completed their Advanced Level exams. They still continue to receive free education and Mahapola scholarships, receive preferred hospitals for internship, and are guaranteed employment in the case of doctors.  Graduates who are unemployed too protest, demanding employment in the state sector and all the perks that go with it, and a pension scheme too.  All this while the Public keep paying for all these, while some even send their children to private or international schools paying exorbitant fees.  Their effort to enable their children to receive higher education without burdening the State is still seen as a reason for these undergraduates of state universities to protest on the streets, disturb civilian life, break the law, engage in contempt of court, and obstruct the freedom of choice for students who want to pay for their higher education.

Fortunately, while the authorities and Police are on their back foot, the general public are now willing to challenge these university miscreants. The recent reaction by a few motorists probably shocked the organizers of these protests. It’s a matter of time before a desperate motorist or civilians looses their patience.

Yahapalanaya does not mean allowing these wild asses to run amok and create mayhem and turmoil for everyone.  Students who do not enter state universities too need justice.