Political Education

History of Political Education

Political education has been developed through many centuries. Political education initiated by Aristotle in 335 B.C through the institute of Lyceum to gain the contribution of society to strengthen the direct democracy. As a result, the concept has influenced on the suitability of political decision making and betterment of the society.

During the political changes and the revolutions, political education has been impacted in substantial manner. French revolution is the one of most impactive results of the political education. In Marxism, political education has directed society for the common betterment and strong party organization. But in Nazism, political education has directed for dictatorship.

In modern era, at the key political changes, political education has utilized as a social science. In Sri Lanka, political education has remarkably used by the socialism-based parties. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna is the key example for the scenario. Liberal based parties are utilizing the political education in lean manner for opportunity creation.

Global Political Academy Concepts

Political party-based education is a popular global concept. Major political parties of the globe are equipped with political educating wing to organize and build up the social connectivity.

Rosa Luxemburg Foundation

A transnational alternative policy group and educational institution centered in Germany and affiliated to the democratic socialist Left Party.

Socialist

Friedrich Naumann Foundation

A German foundation for liberal politics, related to the Free Democratic Party. It promotes individual freedom and liberalism.

Liberal

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

A German political academy associated with the Centre-right Christian Democratic party.

Christian Democratic

National Democratic Institute

A non-partisan, non-profit organization that works with partners in developing countries to increase the effectiveness of democratic institutions.

Non-Partisan

History of Sri Lankan Political Academies

Political Academy concepts are familiar initiative at Sri Lankan politics. During the period of 1965-70, political education has been initiated by United National Party; former Minister of Education Hon.I.M.R.A.Irriagolla.

His Excellency President Ranasinghe Premadasa has initiated the political academy named, General Ranjan Wijerathna Academy for Political Education. Concept was backed by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany. But the concept was unable to progress towards the expected level of success, and subsequently became as a non performing institute.

Successful Implementation: JVP

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna is the most successful political party that is using the political education in effective manner. Five classes education theories of JVP since 1965 has remarkably worked out at the political revolutionary attempts.

Comparing with the political education of JVP, rest of the political parties are leanly engaging with the base line organizing through the political educational institutes.

Other Initiatives

  • Fedrick Ebert Stiftung has supported to establish Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in 1974 with the satisfactory progress till now.
  • Number of communist parties in Sri Lanka have initiated the political institutes in minor prominences.
  • The Friedrich Naumann Foundation has attempted to establish political education academy concept in Sri Lanka most recently.
  • National Youth Services Council has implemented the political academy concepts.
  • Colombo Political Academy has started and been an example for another fail attempt.
  • Academy of Political Education of SLFP has gained the success initiation in certain extends.
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