𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦. බොක්කෙන්ම ලියන්නේ. ඒ කියලා තොප්පිය දාගන්නත් එපා. ආයුබෝවන්.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Monday, December 30, 2024
Friday, December 27, 2024
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Monday, December 23, 2024
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Degrees of Compassion : Understanding the "Aegrotat Award"
An Aegrotat ( (iːɡrə(ʊ)tat) Degree is a type of academic degree awarded to a student who is unable to complete their studies or final examinations due to severe illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances. The word "aegrotat" comes from the Latin phrase "he/she is ill."
Key Features of an Aegrotat Degree:
Award Without Final Examination:
Aegrotat degrees are typically granted when a student has demonstrated sufficient academic ability throughout their studies but is unable to take final exams or complete final requirements due to exceptional circumstances.
No Classification:
In many institutions, an Aegrotat degree is unclassified, meaning it does not include distinctions like First Class, Second Class, or Honours. Instead, it is issued as a pass degree.
Application Process:
The awarding of an Aegrotat degree often requires the student (or their representative) to apply formally, providing medical evidence or other documentation of their inability to complete the program.
Acceptance:
In most cases, students must accept the Aegrotat award. Some universities allow students to retake assessments or exams at a later date if their circumstances improve.
How is it Different from Other Degrees?
Completion Requirements:
Regular degrees require the fulfilment of all academic and practical requirements, including exams, coursework, and other assessments. Aegrotat degrees are an exception, granted based on a student's prior performance and extenuating circumstances.
Recognition:
While an Aegrotat degree recognizes the student’s effort and academic capability, it may not always be viewed as equivalent to a standard degree in terms of professional or postgraduate opportunities. Some institutions or employers might require a fully completed degree.
Purpose:
The Aegrotat degree is specifically meant to ensure students are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control, unlike regular degrees that are based solely on academic merit and completion.
In essence, an Aegrotat degree is a compassionate measure by academic institutions to recognize the efforts and abilities of students facing extraordinary challenges.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Accessibility in Public Transport: A Case for Substance Over Symbolism
On a recent journey, I noticed that one of the CTB buses had a designated space for wheelchair users.
At first glance, this seemed like a commendable step towards inclusivity.
However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that this effort might fall short of truly addressing the needs of those it aims to serve.
Several critical issues stood out:
Narrow Entryway: The entrance of the bus is too narrow for a standard wheelchair to pass through comfortably, making entry a challenge.
Lack of Assistance Mechanisms: There is no mechanical lifter or ramp to assist wheelchair users in boarding the bus, leaving them dependent on others for help.
Absence of Safety Measures: Once inside, there are no restraints to secure the wheelchair in place during movement, posing a serious risk to the passenger's safety.
Emergency Preparedness: In the event of an emergency, one must question how a wheelchair user could be evacuated quickly and safely.
Crew Training: There seems to be no indication that bus crews have received any training on how to assist or ensure the safety of passengers with disabilities.
This raises the uncomfortable question: is this a genuine attempt to make public transport accessible, or is it simply a token gesture to appear politically correct?
While the intent might be noble, the execution leaves much to be desired.
True accessibility requires more than just allocating space—it demands a holistic approach.
This includes infrastructure upgrades, training for staff, and a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Without these essential components, such measures risk becoming little more than symbolic gestures, failing to make any meaningful impact.
If we are to create a society where everyone has equal opportunities to participate and thrive, we must prioritize practicality and genuine inclusion over superficial appearances.
It’s time to move beyond tokenism and commit to meaningful change in our public transportation systems.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024
The Truth Behind the Titles: A Debate on Fake Credentials
The issue of fake academic qualifications to gain undue favour and attention is dominating public discourse today.
The first casualty of this controversy was the former Speaker of the House, Mr. Ranwala.
What followed was significant: his "Doctor" title was removed from the Parliament website.
If a "Trojan horse" and a hacker were at play, this points to a meticulously orchestrated mudslinging campaign.
Forget Everything And Run.
Face Everything And Rise.
Which interpretation fits Mr. Ranwala's response?
This debate is not limited to Mr. Ranwala.
Revisiting history, there was another high-profile case decades ago when a politician claimed to have earned a degree from a prestigious European university.
These incidents present two possible explanations:
Either the accusations are baseless.
The resilience—or thick skin—of these individuals differs significantly from Mr. Ranwala's.
This write-up does not aim to exonerate some while vilifying others.
The onus lies on the media to rise above this partisanship.