Tell us what you want to inform the Hon. Minister and H.E. President
According to media reports, H.E. President Rajapaksa has advised Minister of Education Hon. Bandula Gunawardene to investigate and report on whether Schools across the country are collecting money from students which is in fact illegal in Sri Lanka.
The President called for such a report after the recent incident involving a student from a School in Horana. The student is alleged to have stolen coconuts to raise Rs.800 that her school authorities had asked for to paint the classroom walls. She was arrested and produced in Courts where she was released on a surety bail of Rs.50,000.
According to Cabinet media spokesman Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella, the Ministry does not have the power to take action against such Principals even though it is a proven fact that such activities take place in Schools.
The Minister of Education had stated that a circular regarding the matter will be released within two weeks based upon the request made by the President.
Several high ranking officials in the education sector and Principals shared their views on this subject with TISL. While they believe in the need for a systematic and transparent mechanisms to collect money from students they also cautioned against issuing circulars without providing schools with the basic requirements needed to maintain them as it would not solve the problem.
Parents who have either made a donation to School Development Boards (official means) or to the pockets of individuals with influence (unofficial means) in order gain school admission will undoubtedly have an opinion to express regarding this situation. So will the Principals who have sought such payments and other officials in the education sector.
As the H.E. President and the Minister of Education are prepared to formulate new policies and procedures regarding the collection of money from students, this is an opportune time for civil society to contribute to this process by creating a space for dialogue. By sharing your ideas, suggestions and information on official and unofficial means of collecting money with the H.E. President and the Minister you too can contribute to and influence an optimum solution to the problem.
We encourage you to share your feedback with the H.E. President and the Minister and to share the same with TISL so that we too can advocate for change through the relevant officials and policy makers.
The information you provide us will be considered as confidential. We request that you provide us your contact details to ensure the validity of the information provided.
Please submit your ideas and suggestions within the next two weeks.
Policy and research division, Transparency International Sri Lanka, No.6, 37th Lane, Queens Road, Colombo 3.
e-mail: tislresearch@gmail.com