The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Universities (Amendment) Bill.

¶ 02 Hon. Prime Minister, why are you lowering the bar for appointing a Dean? I appreciate your global perspective and hope you will look at education likewise—that is what we need.

¶ 03 The cost of producing a doctor over five years is over Rs. 5.5 million; a dental surgeon, Rs. 8.6 million; an engineer, Rs. 2.7 million. Our tradition is to expect free education from the State. When our people benefit from free education, they also have a duty to give back to society. Yet many beneficiaries, especially in medicine, engineering, science and technology, leave the country. We need a mandatory mechanism for those who study free to serve in Sri Lanka for a defined period—through a bond or service requirement.

¶ 04 Other countries give student loans to be repaid; here we give free education to benefit the nation. Therefore, create a system where beneficiaries render service. About 1,500 doctors are leaving annually. Our specialist doctors also go abroad after training obtained thanks to opportunities provided here, and then they pay off their bonds and remain there. The Government should examine this and establish a legal mechanism to ensure specialists return and serve after overseas training. Also, engage with destination countries to limit long-term retention and to facilitate return.

¶ 05 A large number of our children study abroad, costing about Rs. 300 billion a year. Our public universities accommodate only about 40,000 students, while many more qualify. If we establish private universities here, our children could study at lower cost locally. I request the Hon. Prime Minister to consider enabling reputable private universities. Further, allocate at least 5 per cent of GDP for education; this year only about 2 per cent is allocated, with a promise to increase over time. Given urgent needs, we should move towards 5 per cent.

¶ 06 Thank you.