(May 25, 2011) Christian human rights leaders are urging the Sri Lankan government
to do away with an introductory military-style training course for new university
students. A three-week program began on Monday (May 23) for about 22,000 students
across the country in locations that include army, navy, air force and police camps,
as well as university campuses. “The government should follow the decision of the
court and listen to appeals made by parents and students,” said Fr. Dilan Perera,
who had discussions with military commanders over the issue. The Supreme Court had
earlier said the government should postpone such a program, until a petition against
it is taken up, according to the editor of Colombo Catholic archdiocese’s religious
magazine. “If leadership training is necessary, it can be conducted at schools or
universities under the care of educational authorities,” said Fr. M. Sathi-vel,
the Anglican priest in charge of the Christian Solidarity Movement. The United National
Party, a major opposition party in parliament, has opposed the program, saying that
there is no legal provision for this kind of leadership training for university
students. However, the government says the program aims to build leadership among
students.