The fate of university teachers in Sri Lanka

(September 27 , Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) As university students, we respected our teachers and we hoped that some day we would be as learned as they were. We looked up to particular lecturers not only because of their knowledge of the subject they taught us or their ability to teach, but sometimes because of their open-mindedness - how they discussed ideas or provoked us by getting us to think.

For many different reasons, we had our favourites. We liked them when they were approachable and 'cool.' But we also had tremendous regard for the conscientious, conventional 'saree-wearing' teacher. We also liked lecturers who were different from the others, innovative in their teaching methods, creative in their thinking, original in their dress or eccentric in their ways.

We knew and admired those who had their works published in renowned journals, or authored books that were recognised internationally. The most popular were lecturers who were passionate about their research and other involvements outside the university as the wealth of knowledge they gained from these were shared with us in the classroom, making the lectures more interesting and thought provoking.

When walking past the Faculty Club, we often overheard laughter, frequent arguments mostly about the state of the country and jokes about politicians. Usually, the lecturers in there were those who also represented the university at conferences in and outside the country, articulated ideas in the media or openly and fearlessly, could critique government policy decisions.

The university provided space where diversity and pluralism were acceptable and even encouraged and space given for dissent and debate.

Sadly, the situation is not quite the same today. Teaching has been affected to some extent. In some universities, previously popular courses are no longer offered, or have been modified if they dealt with so-called 'sensitive' issues and programmes put on hold. Lecturers involved in initiating/designing/teaching in such courses/programmes or collaborating with universities overseas are being directly or indirectly victimised.

Some have been removed from decision making positions within the university system, are not considered for promotions, or are ridiculed, leaving them with options such as resigning from the university or from the positions of power they previously held, taking sabbatical leave or simply lying low.

Visiting scholars are perceived as spies working for the international community to denounce government initiatives. Jealousies are also there amongst academics, for whatever said and done, the smarter lecturers are recognised locally and internationally. It is they who earn the awards, fellowships, scholarships that enable them to establish links with other academic institutions and return with fresh ideas to develop those new "dangerous" courses and teach in a "confrontational" manner that would rock the establishment.

It is also they who are invited to serve on boards, to undertake research and offered consultancies. But the university does not value their contribution.

Research commissioned from outside institutions is perceived as money making activities or a suspicious collaboration with international agencies, rather than eventually benefiting the university and students. In addition, particular areas of research (i.e conflict, rehabilitation, violence, IDPs, etc.) are considered threatening as they may expose failures of, or critique the government.

Incidentally, unlike in the good old days when academics could survive on their salaries, lecturers often have no option but to accept consultancies. True, lecturers are better off than many, but the fact of the matter is that salaries have remained more or less the same (Rs. 52,000 per month take home salary of a Senior Lecturer) for at least five to six years! After paying off house rent (Rs. 10,000), other bills (Rs. 17,000), children's school fees (Rs. 6000 x 2), petrol (Rs. 10,000), gas (Rs. 500), food (Rs. 15,000) etc. there is hardly any money left for medical expenses, books, extra-curricular activities of children, outings, gifts or clothes.

Today, lecturers who earn an additional income through consultancies/research are perceived as neglecting their duties at the university by resorting to underhand activities, when most often, these activities eventually benefit teaching.

One consolation for me is that my university has not awarded PhDs to politicians... but I am also convinced that it is only a matter of time before all universities do the same.

Obviously, I want to remain anonymous. That is the only way to stay employed or even alive ... since lecturers are silenced if they dare to voice an opinion or dissent. I long for those days when teachers could say, do, wear anything and were respected only for their ideas and intellect. I shall remember those days with nostalgia.

-Sri Lanka Guardian