Sri Lanka students fight military training scheme
[BBC]
Student unions in Sri Lanka have objected to a new scheme under which university entrants must undergo three weeks of training in military camps. The unions have petitioned their country’s Supreme Court to stop the programme, which begins on Sunday. Training will include physical drills and conflict management in a bid to increase mental and physical fitness. The government has defended the initiative, which it says is about leadership skills. From Sunday, every student who has recently won a university place will have to report to a specified military or police camp. There are 28 dotted around the country.