In a recent interview with Jaffna Monitor magazine, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, S. Srisatkunarajah, offered a candid perspective on the notable absence of local students in the university’s Engineering Faculty. Labelling this trend as a form of “madness” towards Colombo, he provided insights into the university’s current enrolment dynamics and broader societal preferences.
Diverse Enrolment, Yet Local Absence
The vice chancellor acknowledged the decline in student enrollment from the local Jaffna district in the university’s engineering faculty. However, he pointed out that the
faculty continues to attract a diverse student body from other Tamil-speaking regions, such as Trincomalee, Mannar, and even Colombo. “The faculty has not experienced a shortage of students,” he affirmed. “Our focus is not on who is studying in the faculty, as long as we get enough students to run the course effectively. Our institution remains open and welcoming to students of all ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and districts.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the Engineering Faculty’s diverse student body, emphasizing its appeal beyond the local Jaffna district. “While we have noticed a decline in enrolment from Jaffna, the faculty is attracting students from other Tamil-speaking regions like Trincomalee, Mannar, and even Tamil-speaking students from Colombo,” he stated. He underscored this point by mentioning that a top student from Colombo’s prestigious Ananda College is currently studying in the Engineering Faculty. “This diversity in our student population is a testament to the faculty’s quality and appeal. It’s only the students from Jaffna who have not applied,” he added.
Srisatkunarajah expressed his views on the deep-rooted preference of Jaffna residents for Colombo. He questioned the inclination of people from Jaffna to invest in properties in Colombo and the suburbs rather than their own region. “This pattern extends beyond educational choices and reflects a broader societal trend,” he remarked.
Highlighting the achievements of the Engineering Faculty, the Vice-Chancellor proudly noted that it is one of the few faculties that have gained significant recognition within a few years of its inception. “We are proud of the progress and the quality of education we offer,” he said.
