-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -22.Nov.2024,10.10 pm) International English schools have mushroomed across Sri Lanka, catering to a growing demand for globally recognized education. These institutions often promise high standards, globally competitive curricula, and access to prestigious overseas qualifications. Yet behind the polished brochures and glossy advertisements lies a largely unregulated industry fraught with controversies, ethical concerns, and systemic loopholes.
Despite their significant presence and influence, these schools operate in a legal and regulatory vacuum. Without any oversight from a governing body, questions abound about the standards, ethics, and practices of these institutions. As concerns mount, the call for regulating international English schools in Sri Lanka grows louder.
Unlike public and private schools under the purview of the Ministry of Education, international English schools enjoy unparalleled freedom in Sri Lanka. They are not subject to standardized inspections, monitoring, or checks to ensure compliance with educational standards or ethical practices.
This lack of oversight has turned education into a lucrative business for many operators. While some schools maintain commendable standards, others exploit the absence of regulation to prioritize profit over quality.
One of the glaring gaps in the current system is the absence of any requirement for teacher qualifications or background checks. With no regulatory body to ensure that teachers are appropriately trained, the quality of education varies widely. Parents often pay exorbitant fees, expecting excellence, only to discover that some teachers lack the necessary qualifications or teaching experience.
Moreover, there is no system to conduct background checks on staff members, raising safety concerns for students.
One of the most serious allegations surrounding international English schools is the suspected malpractice in administering overseas examinations. These exams, which serve as gateways to prestigious universities and professional qualifications, have been dogged by claims of leaked papers.
Multiple sources allege that certain powerful individuals receive access to exam papers ahead of time, giving their children an unfair advantage. If true, this undermines the integrity of the qualifications and tarnishes the reputation of students who earn them honestly.
Given the severity of these allegations, many argue that Sri Lanka’s Department of Examinations should oversee these assessments, even if they are foreign qualifications. With its experience and resources, the Department could ensure that exams are conducted fairly and transparently.
The business of international education in Sri Lanka has become notoriously expensive, with some schools charging exorbitant fees for tuition, admission, and extracurricular activities. These costs place a heavy burden on families and raise questions about accessibility and equity in education.
Adding to the concerns, the admission process at many international schools is opaque. Reports suggest that influential individuals often secure spots for their children through connections, leaving others out in the cold. There is no transparent mechanism for parents to verify or challenge these decisions.
To address these issues, a regulatory body could:
1. Cap Tuition Fees: Introduce a fair pricing structure to ensure education remains accessible.
2. Ensure Transparent Admissions: Create systems to audit and verify admissions processes, ensuring they are merit-based and equitable.
Currently, there is no centralized system for registering students enrolled in international schools. This lack of record-keeping makes it difficult to monitor students’ academic progress, maintain their qualifications, or address disputes about certification authenticity.
Mandatory registration of all international school students with Sri Lankan authorities could resolve these issues. Such a system would ensure:
• Accurate tracking of student enrollment and academic progress.
• Prevention of fraudulent claims regarding qualifications.
• A comprehensive database to monitor and maintain educational standards.
Another pressing concern is the financial management of international English schools. With many schools operating as private businesses, there are allegations of tax evasion and profit concealment.
Schools generate substantial revenue through tuition fees, extracurricular charges, and other sources. Yet there is little evidence that these institutions pay taxes proportionate to their earnings.
A regulatory framework could mandate transparency in financial reporting, requiring schools to disclose:
1. Their capital structure and ownership details.
2. Revenue and profit statements.
3. Tax compliance records.
The Inland Revenue Department must also take an active role in auditing these institutions to ensure they fulfill their tax obligations.
The creation of an independent regulatory body is crucial to address the myriad issues plaguing international English schools. This body should be empowered to:
1. Set Standards: Establish clear benchmarks for teaching quality, infrastructure, safety, and curriculum.
2. Inspect Schools: Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with standards.
3. Approve Teacher Credentials: Verify the qualifications and training of all teachers.
4. Monitor Exams: Oversee the administration of overseas examinations to prevent malpractice.
5. Audit Finances: Ensure schools maintain financial transparency and pay their taxes.
Sri Lanka can look to other countries for inspiration in regulating international schools. For instance:
• United Kingdom: The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducts rigorous inspections of private schools, ensuring they meet educational and ethical standards.
• Singapore: The Council for Private Education oversees private schools, focusing on student welfare, teacher qualifications, and financial transparency.
• United Arab Emirates: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) regulates private schools, providing ratings that help parents make informed choices.
By adopting similar practices, Sri Lanka can strike a balance between supporting international schools and ensuring accountability.
Education is not just a business—it’s a fundamental right and a cornerstone of societal progress. While international English schools have played a pivotal role in providing quality education and global exposure to Sri Lankan students, their unchecked growth and lack of regulation threaten to undermine their contributions.
By introducing a robust regulatory framework, Sri Lanka can ensure that these schools operate ethically, transparently, and in the best interests of students and society. It’s time to prioritize accountability over profit and restore trust in an industry that shapes the nation’s future.
If Sri Lanka fails to act now, the country risks not only jeopardizing the credibility of its international education sector but also failing its children—who deserve better.
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by (2024-11-22 16:54:24)
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