The Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University is now amidst controversy after an investigation of its hostel premises uncovered a large number of empty bottles and cans of alcohol giving rise to the question of how the education centre intended to preserve Theravada Buddhism has fallen to such depths of deterioration. It is evident it has occurred due to the irresponsibility of students, academic and non-academic staff of the university as well as the negligence of the relevant Ministry.
Two years ago while certain issues were noted at the university, a committee was appointed to look into it. The committee was led by Balangoda Sobitha Nahimi Thera while its members included Prof. Kandagoda Vimaladhamma Thera, Prof. Thummulle Seelakhanda Thera, Prof. Ittademaliya Indrasara Thera and Prof. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera.
Evidence
A committee investigated the issues on six fronts and a report was compiled at the end. Accordingly, the committee looked into the aims and objectives of the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University Act No. 74 of 1981 as amended by the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University (Amendment) Act No. 37 of 1995, the administration of the university, the syllabus, academic and non-academic staff, discipline and security.
The committee called for evidence from all relevant parties including Prof. Dr. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, the Vice Chancellor of Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. Others quizzed included academic staff such as Prof. Lenagala Siriniwasa Thera (Dean, Faculty of Language Studies), Prof Moragollagama Uparatnana Thera, (Dean, Post Graduate Studies), Prof Wawwe Dhammarakkhitha Thera (Buddhist Philosophy Unit), Prof. Neluwe Sumanawansha Thera (Cultural Unit), Ilukwela Dhammarathana Thera (Section Head, Buddhist Philosophy), Prof Vitharadeniya Chandrasiri Thera (Pali Studies Section) and several others. The committee had also spoken to both clergy and lay non-academic staff led by Bogamuwe Dheerananda Thera (Assistant Registrar, Academic and Student Services) as well as the security services of the university.
Though student unions had also been given the opportunity to provide evidence on July 1 and 8 in 2020 but they had failed to show up and instead provided a statement in writing.
Following the investigations, the committee report compiled noted that the purpose of the university is to safeguard the role of a bhikkhu by protecting the Pali language and Buddhism and that the university activities should be done according to that purpose. It noted that this was not the case and therefore it was recommended the university carry out its activities according to its aims.
The committee found that the administration had ignored the circulars of the University Grants Commission and had even made decisions violating the decisions of the governing council of the university and going beyond the basic ethical and moral limits.
It also found the syllabus had been compiled in a manner harmful to key Buddhist subjects being taught while it also found the security at the university was highly unsatisfactory. This was especially evident as a group had cut down the Bodhi tree on the premises.
It found that the security had not checked students and even outsiders coming in based on directions received by the administration. The security had even been prevented from checking student IDs while the administration had also informed them to not enter hostels without the permission of student unions. Management of the hostels including the handling of keys had been carried out by students, the committee found.
It also found that external lecturers had been hired despite the university having enough academic staff while some had failed to put in the required teaching hours at the university. The administration had failed to act against such lecturers. Meanwhile, irregularities were found in the hiring of non-academic staff and that the administration had failed to absorb them to the permanent cadre as well as give them the necessary promotions, thereby creating a sense of dissolution among the staff leading them to carry out various acts that were harmful to the university’s image.
Neighbours had complained about the behaviour of the university’s hostellers who were accused of cutting down the Bodhi tree.
Though the report was compiled in 2020, the recommendations were not implemented by the relevant authorities.
Therefore for example, despite it being mandatory for students to leave the hostel premises during holidays they had failed to do so and the administration had also not acted on it. Many other issues and recommendations to do with administration, syllabus, discipline and staff had also been included in the report.
Irregularities
It proposed that irregularities in hiring staff should be rectified and that the relevant act should be amended in parliament to facilitate the recommendations put forward by the committee. It called on the Ministry to monitor the changes being made in the syllabus and to prevent it from being changed without the approval of the Ministry.
The report had been handed over to Prof. G.L Peiris on September 8, 2020 who was the Minister of Education at the time. He had promised to provide long-term solutions to the issues while also introducing necessary legislation as requested by the committee.
However, despite the assurances, the issues have only worsened. The committee had made recommendations to the subject Minister. The first of it was to stop the irregularities in hiring staff and address issues relating to their appointments, promotions, dismissals and so on. Secondly, they proposed that according to the amendments presented, the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University Act should be amended and passed in Parliament as soon as possible. The third recommendation was to do with the changes made in the syllabus.
In addition, the Governing Council of the University also included guidance for the preparation of regulations that may be published in the Government Gazette regarding the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
Another special recommendation of note was that regulations must be introduced to ensure that the decisions made by the University Sanathana Sabha and administration comply with the aims and objectives of the university. It also called for regulations to be implemented to ensure the students, academic staff and others act according to Buddhist values.
In addition to this, the committee has made 13 recommendations to the university administration department that the administrative work should be done in a manner that suits the Buddhist religion while maintaining student discipline.
Among the recommendations made by the committee to the university administrative department was that the lay academic staff must dress and act in a disciplined manner suitable to the Buddhist institution. It also said the clergy in the academic staff must act in a manner that sets an example to the students.
The committee had proposed the administration hold workshops for students explaining the aims and objectives of the university. It has been pointed out here that the academic staff must be well-versed in the Buddhist subject and should work according to the basic objectives of the Act and conduct meditations, sermons, and so on which develops student attitudes. It has been pointed out to ensure that the activities of the student unions are maintained according to the regulations mentioned in the gazette. A special recommendation has also been given that the position of senior student advisor of the university should be held by a senior Bhikkhu.
It also recommended that security personnel be allowed to work independently and install a CCTV system within the university. The report said students should not be allowed to enter the university premises during holidays for non academic purposes and should not remain in the hostel or other premises without prior permission from the Vice Chancellor.
Syllabus
The committee said the syllabus must be amended in accordance with the objective and aims of the act to create Buddhist teachers able to teach the subject in schools. Accordingly, the report states that only subjects directly related to Buddhism such as Pali, Buddhist culture, Buddhist philosophy, Sanskrit, archaeology, social philosophy, archaeology, and so on should be taught at the university.
Apart from that, according to the objectives of the act, a special recommendation has been given that the curriculum should be revised to include practical training on bhikkhu discipline and meditation. The reorganisation of courses according to the objectives of the Act was also emphasised. The committee’s report also states that the dormitory facilities should be provided so that lay and religious students do not mix even on the same premises.
However, it is questionable if these recommendations were put into action. Despite two years since the report was submitted, it continues to gather dust resulting in the deterioration of the university.
Had these recommendations been implemented the tragic situation of the university now being reported on social media and other outlets could have been avoided. It is evident that it is of great importance for authorities to focus on these recommendations in the current circumstances.