• A look at the status quo concerning foreign research travel 

The increasing exodus of university lecturers from Sri Lanka has become a pressing issue, particularly in the wake of the country’s ongoing economic crisis.

While some academics leave for legitimate purposes, such as fellowships or research, others are overstaying abroad without fulfilling their obligations to their home institutions. This trend has raised concerns, especially considering that many of these lecturers’ education was funded by the country’s free education system, which is financed by taxpayer money. 

The impact on Sri Lanka’s already under-resourced university system is significant, as staff shortages grow and the quality of education is threatened. Beyond the immediate consequences for the academia, this situation tarnishes the country’s reputation, creating long-term challenges for future Sri Lankans seeking to travel or work abroad. 

This phenomenon, which seems to have escalated since the country’s economic crisis in 2022, raises concerns not just about the impact on the nation’s education system, but also about the ethical and professional conduct of those involved. 

The university system amidst the economic crisis

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, which began to intensify with the Covid-19 pandemic and reached its peak in 2022, has had profound effects on nearly every sector of the economy, including higher education. Just as for many other professionals, the declining economic conditions and the rising cost of living have made it increasingly difficult for university teachers to sustain themselves and their families. As inflation soared and salaries remained stagnant, many lecturers began to explore opportunities abroad, seeking better financial prospects, living conditions, and academic resources.

While the desire for better working and living conditions is understandable, especially in the wake of such a severe economic downturn, the manner in which some lecturers have gone about this search for better opportunities is concerning. A number of university staff have been leaving for academic activities such as fellowships or research projects, only to decide not to return, often without informing their universities or resigning from their posts. This has exacerbated the staffing crisis within Sri Lanka’s public universities, which were already facing shortages before the economic crisis.

Sri Lanka’s higher education system is already struggling with staffing shortages. With many university lecturers now choosing to leave, either for better opportunities abroad or due to dissatisfaction with local conditions, the situation has worsened. Universities, already understaffed, now face the challenge of trying to fill these vacant positions, further straining the system. This growing exodus is particularly damaging for students, who are left with fewer qualified lecturers to guide their academic and professional development.

Sri Lanka’s universities are renowned for producing some of the brightest minds in the country, and the continued loss of lecturers threatens the quality of education that future generations of students will receive. Furthermore, this trend may have a negative impact on research output and academic collaborations, which are key components of any thriving university system.

Ethical and professional aspects

One of the key issues at the heart of this problem is the fact that many of these university lecturers have been educated at the expense of the public. Sri Lanka’s free education system, which has been a source of pride for the country, has provided access to higher education for generations of students without the burden of tuition fees or at concessional rates. This system is funded by the taxes paid by the citizens of Sri Lanka, making the education of university staff not just a personal investment, but a public one as well.

In this context, when university lecturers leave the country, particularly for foreign opportunities funded by Sri Lankan taxpayers, there is an ethical responsibility to return and contribute to the country’s development. Failing to return undermines the very system that allowed them to access such opportunities. It raises questions about accountability and the sense of duty that university teachers should have toward the society that has supported their academic journey. It is a matter of national interest when these professionals leave without fulfilling their obligations to the country, especially when their training was largely funded by the taxpayer.

While higher education authorities, such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), have implemented measures to regulate and monitor academics travelling abroad, this issue is ultimately one of professional ethics. According to the UGC, the Government is already taking steps to curb this misuse of overseas travel opportunities by imposing stringent guidelines. 

However, while these measures may be effective in some cases, they are not a long-term solution to the problem. The core issue here is not merely a financial one, but an ethical one. University teachers and academic staff have a professional responsibility to uphold the integrity of their roles. Signing bonds to ensure that lecturers return after their foreign activities is an attempt to address the financial fallout, but it does not address the deeper ethical questions surrounding this behaviour. The failure to return after accepting public funds for education and research is a breach of trust, not just with the university, but with the very people whose taxes have funded their academic journeys.

Moreover, this issue is not isolated to the individuals involved. It tarnishes the reputation of Sri Lanka as a whole. When university lecturers leave without fulfilling their commitments, it can create a perception of irresponsibility, which impacts the country's image at the global level. This, in turn, affects future opportunities for other Sri Lankans seeking to travel or study abroad, as they may be subject to increased scrutiny or restrictions due to the actions of a few individuals.

Collective action to find solutions

University teachers and their unions, such as the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA), have a critical role to play in curbing this trend. While FUTA has argued that strict regulations are unnecessary, claiming that the vast majority of academics who travel abroad return to the country, this viewpoint overlooks the broader implications of the issue. The fact that even one lecturer does not return after accepting public funds is problematic, as it sets a precedent for others to follow suit.

University unions have a responsibility to ensure that their members adhere to high ethical standards and act in the best interests of both their students and the nation. In this context, it is not enough to rely on financial bonds to enforce accountability. What is needed is a collective commitment to uphold professional ethics and ensure that university staff act with integrity and in accordance with the values of Sri Lanka’s free education system. This situation is not only about financial accountability; it is also about the nation’s reputation. If the current trend continues, it may become more difficult for Sri Lankans to travel abroad for academic or professional purposes, as other countries may impose stricter regulations or barriers due to the actions of a few individuals.

At the same time, it must be stressed that the solutions that the authorities come up with for the issues should be effective, practical, and sustainable. For example, last year (2023), the FUTA pointed out that the bond fee, which is linked to the value of the scholarship, is often calculated using foreign currency rates, placing a significant financial burden on lecturers. This is especially problematic when the Sri Lankan Rupee depreciates against foreign currencies, making the bond fee unaffordable for many academics. 

Consequently, many lecturers are choosing to resign before leaving for their overseas opportunities to avoid paying this escalating fee. The issue is compounded by the difficulty in finding guarantors to sign bond agreements, as the financial responsibility often falls on them if the lecturer fails to return.

This trend has created a cycle where lecturers are abandoning their positions, leaving Sri Lanka’s universities further understaffed. In this context, it is crucial for the Sri Lankan Government and higher education authorities to rethink their strategy in addressing this issue. Any measures introduced should be practical, fair, and sustainable, ensuring that they do not exacerbate the existing challenges. Balancing the interests of the lecturers, the universities, and the nation is key to creating a system that benefits all stakeholders.

In this context, to address this issue in a meaningful way, it is essential for both university authorities and academics or their unions to take a more proactive, collective approach. The Government’s role in regulating overseas travel is important, but it cannot be the sole solution. 

Universities and their academic staff must recognise their ethical obligations to the public and ensure that their actions reflect a commitment, accountability, and integrity. University teachers should be held to the highest ethical standards. While it is understandable that individuals seek better opportunities, these must not come at the expense of the very system that made their academic success possible. It is time for Sri Lanka’s academic community to take collective responsibility for ensuring that the nation’s free education system is not undermined by unethical behaviour.

Furthermore, the Government should consider offering more support to lecturers, including competitive salaries, better working conditions, and opportunities for professional development, to reduce the temptation for academics to leave the country. This, in combination with a renewed commitment to ethical practices, can help reduce university lecturers leaving Sri Lanka for good.