English Language proficiency compulsory for University Degree: S.B. Dissanayake
English language proficiency has been made compulsory to obtain a State University Degree said Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake.
Minister Dissanayake said that students who obtain the required marks in the English language test at the finals will be awarded the Degree.
The Minister told Parliament recently that, though it had been compulsory to pass the English language proficiency test for the past 15 years, universities never failed a student.
“The universities have the right to fail a student, though they have not strictly enforced it. Even if a student obtains two, three or four marks, the Senate can award the Degree. But now, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed all universities to ensure that students attend English classes, as well as obtain the required marks in order to obtain the Degree,” he said.
According to Minister Dissanayake, it has been decided that students will not be awarded their Degree until they pass the English test.
The Minister said, though universities have been provided with language laboratories, there are empty seats with computers not being used. There is a need to increase interest among university students.
The Colombo University has a fully equipped Language lab with 60 computers, Peradeniya University with 23 computers and language material, Kelaniya University has language laboratories, Sri Jayawardenapura University with 50 computers. The other universities with fully equipped Language laboratories are the Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, Uva Wellassa and Aesthetics universities.
“Jaffna, Moratuwa, Ruhuna, Buddhist, Pali and Open universities are those in the process of being provided with fully equipped Language labs,” the Minister said.
He said that, since, 70% of University courses are conducted in English at present schools should also ensure that English Language proficiency among university entrants should be at the required level.
“There is a need to improve English Language among university students. That is why university courses are gradually transformed into English medium. Therefore students have to study in the English language,” he said.
The Higher Education Minister said the 1956 Language policy allowed many rural students to enter universities and obtain Degrees, Masters and PhDs.
“They learnt English later in life, with some learning while studying for their Masters or PhD’s. However, today there is a need to improve their English during their undergraduate years,” he said.
He said in some university’s Arts Faculties, 65% of subjects, except Sinhala Language, such as Economics and Geography, Sociology and Archeology, as a course, are taught in English.
“At present, those who obtain their Degrees from Sstate universities are able to read and write in English. But, there is a need to improve spoken English. There is a gradual improvement in universities, where students speak to each other in English, as well as with foreign students. The future State university graduate will have a good command of spoken English,” he said.