LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Unveiling the Veil: Hidden Privatization in Sri Lanka's Public Education System under the IMF-Ranil Agreement

Unveiling the Veil: Hidden Privatization in Sri Lanka's Public Education System under the IMF-Ranil Agreement

-By A Special Correspondent

(Lanka-e-News -29.Dec.2023, 10.45PM) In the pursuit of economic reform and development, Sri Lanka finds itself at the crossroads of a subtle but profound transformation in its public education system. Under the IMF-Ranil Agreement, ostensibly designed to bolster the nation's financial stability, there has been a covert introduction of privatization elements into the education sector. This article aims to shed light on the various forms of hidden privatization and their implications for students, teachers, and the overall education landscape in Sri Lanka.

The Covert Nature of Privatization:

Many changes in Sri Lanka's public education system have been positioned under the guise of "educational reform." While some alterations are openly presented as necessary adaptations to modernize education, others are surreptitiously introduced, reflecting a growing market-driven, competitive, and consumer-oriented approach within the society.

Forms of Hidden Privatization:

Hidden privatization takes various forms, altering the very fabric of education in the country. These changes impact the organization, management, and delivery of education, curriculum development and implementation, student assessment, and the evaluation of students, teachers, schools, and communities. Often, these changes are not adequately disclosed to the public.

Market Forms and Competition:

Market-driven approaches and increased competition have silently seeped into the education system. Schools may find themselves vying for resources and recognition in an increasingly competitive environment, altering the dynamics of education.

Choice and Performance Management:

The emphasis on choice and performance management subtly influences decision-making processes within the education sector. This can lead to a shift in priorities, with performance metrics taking precedence over educational quality and equity.

Ethical Dangers and Tactical Behaviors:

The adoption of hidden privatization in public education brings ethical concerns to the forefront. Market-oriented policies may inadvertently foster opportunistic and tactical behaviors among schools and parents, potentially compromising the integrity of the education system.

Impact on Teachers:

Privatization tendencies extend beyond students to the very core of the education system—the teachers. The 'flexibilisation' of teachers' work, a common aspect of privatization, poses a threat to how society perceives educators and the overall quality of students' educational experiences. Changes in teacher preparation, professional development, contract terms, and daily activities contribute to the erosion of traditional educational values.

As Sri Lanka grapples with economic challenges and seeks stability through agreements such as the IMF-Ranil pact, the unintended consequences on public education must be carefully scrutinized. Hidden privatization poses ethical dilemmas and threatens the foundational principles of an equitable and quality education system. An informed public discourse is essential to ensure that the transformation of education aligns with the best interests of the students, teachers, and the broader community.