Chapter 1 – Name
The official name of this organization in Myanmar language is မြန်မာကျောင်းသားများအဖွဲ့အစည်း-သီရိလင်္ကာ (Myanmar Students Association in Sri Lanka). It shall be abbreviated as MSAS.
Definitions:
- “Myanmar” refers to all monks, nuns, and laypersons who are Myanmar citizens holding a Myanmar passport from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
- “Students” refers to all persons studying in schools, training centres, Pariyatti monastic schools, colleges, institutions and universities.
- “Association” refers to an educational body formed by the collective of Myanmar students, representing all groups and associations from the various institutions, colleges, and universities.
- “Sri Lanka” refers to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
- Myanmar Students Association in Sri Lanka (MSAS) refers to an educational body formed by the collective of all monks, nuns, and laypersons who are Myanmar citizens holding a Myanmar passport from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and who are studying in the various schools, training centres, Pariyatti monastic schools, colleges, institutions and universities within the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, representing all associated educational organizations.
Chapter 2 – Objective and Responsibilities
Objective: To enhance the capability and competence of the Myanmar student generation in Sri Lanka through unity, representation, and cooperation.
Responsibilities:
- To represent solely the student affairs of Myanmar students studying in Sri Lanka.
- To promote educational development.
- To create a supportive network for Myanmar students.
- To cooperate on student affairs issues with domestic and international student organizations in order to fulfill the above objectives.
Chapter 3 – Membership
Section 1 – Membership Requirements
All Myanmar students currently studying in institutions, universities, colleges, or schools in Sri Lanka may become members.
Section 2 – Categories
- Ordinary Members: Myanmar students currently studying.
- Associate Members: Alumni who support the organization.
- Honorary Members: Individuals or venerable monks invited due to their special support and assistance.
- Advisory Venerable Monks (Ovādācariya Sayadaws): The Nāyaka Sayadaws of the Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple and venerable monks who can guide and advise on the educational matters of the organization.
Section 3 – Rights and Responsibilities
(A) Ordinary Members:
- Have the right to vote and participate in the organization’s activities.
- Must maintain the organization’s values and dignity.
- Must comply with the constitution’s rules and codes of conduct.
(B) Advisory Venerable Monks (Ovādācariya Sayadaws):
- If they are students, they have the right to stand for election and vote in elections
Chapter 4 – Executive Committee (EC)
Section 4 – Structure
- Advisory Venerable Monks (Ovādācariya Sayadaws)
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Information and Public Relations Officer
- Executive Committee Members
- Representatives of the Various Universities
Section 5 – Term of Office
Executive Committee members shall serve for one (1) academic year and may be re-elected once. An individual can hold a position on the Executive Committee only twice.
Section 6 – Responsibilities
- Advisory Venerable Monks: Will provide guidance for the organization.
- President: Will lead the organization and chair the meetings.
- Secretary: Will manage records, meeting minutes, and documents.
- Treasurer: Will manage finance, fundraising, and budgeting.
- Information and Public Relations Officer: Will handle communication and social media.
- Executive Committee Members: Will assist with the organization’s functions as needed.
- Representatives of the Various Universities: Will serve as the communication link between their university and the organization.
Note: The Executive Committee shall also maintain mutual cooperation and respect with the Nāyaka Sayadaws of the Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple, existing Myanmar communities and organizations in Sri Lanka.
Chapter 5 – Elections
Section 7 – Types of Elections
- Election of Executive Committee members
- Election for the appointment of Representatives of the Various Universities
Section 8 – Eligibility
- Candidates must be Myanmar students studying in Sri Lanka.
- The nomination must be seconded by at least three (3) Ordinary Members.
Section 9 – Voting Process
- Elections shall be held once a year by secret ballot.
- The Election Committee shall supervise the process.
- Every student has the right to vote in the election of Executive Committee members.
- Only the students of the respective university have the right to vote for their university’s Representatives.
Section 10 – Elections for Vacancies
- The Executive Committee has the right to temporarily appoint a replacement for a vacant position initially.
- If necessary, a by-election shall be held to select a replacement
Chapter 6 – Meetings
Section 11 – General Meetings (GMs)
- Shall be held annually.
- All members may attend.
- Shall be held at the Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple.
- General Meetings shall be called by the joint agreement of the Nāyaka Sayadaws of the Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple and the Executive Committee.
- A meeting shall reach a quorum if there is 50%+1 of the Executive Committee members.
Section 12 – Executive Committee Meetings
- Shall be held at least once annually (or as needed).
- Shall be held online or in person.
- Meetings shall be called with the agreement of the majority of the Executive Committee members.
- A meeting shall reach a quorum if there is 70%+1 of the Executive Committee members.
Chapter 7 – Finance
- Two Treasurers shall be appointed.
- The Treasurers must maintain the financial records.
- Donations offered voluntarily may be collected, or fundraising may be conducted when necessary for events.
- All expenses must be approved by the Executive Committee.
- Income and expenditure statements shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee.
Chapter 8 – Cooperation
The organization shall actively build collaborations to promote its objectives and support its members.
Section 13 – Relationship with Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple
- The organization must always value and act upon the guidance and advice of the Nāyaka Sayadaws.
Section 14 – Domestic and Regional Cooperation
Following the leadership of the Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple Nāyaka Sayadaws, the organization shall cooperate on student affairs issues with the following:
- International student organizations within Sri Lanka.
- Myanmar student organizations in foreign countries.
Note: While the organization respects the political beliefs of its individual members, it shall not participate in or lead any political movements or protests within Sri Lanka
Chapter 9 – Educational Development and Student Support
The organization prioritizes the educational development of Myanmar students in Sri Lanka. To maintain this commitment, the organization shall:
- Organize educational programs, such as knowledge sharing, language courses, research methodology, technology, and workshops, either independently or in collaboration with other organizations.
- Provide guidance and assistance in the university admission process for students, which includes coordination and communication with university registrars and (if necessary) with sponsors.
- Assist as much as possible with sharing information regarding scholarship applications.
Chapter 10 – Sustainability
Actions shall be taken to ensure the long-term continuity and effectiveness of the organization, as follows:
Section 15 – Leadership
- Implement transparent electoral processes and procedures for leadership transition.
- Provide leadership training and necessary documents to newly elected committee members.
Section 16 – Organizational Records
- Maintain accurate records, meeting minutes, reports, and financial documents.
- Store data using secure digital platforms that allow only authorized persons to access them.
Section 17 – Mentorship and Alumni Network
- Create mentorship opportunities by connecting experienced students or alumni with new members.
- Maintain contact with former committee members to involve them in advisory or support roles.
Chapter 11 – Amendments
- Any Executive Committee member may propose amendments to the constitution.
- 65% of the Executive Committee vote is required.
- The amendment must be approved at the General Meeting.
Chapter 12 – Dissolution
- The organization may be dissolved at a General Meeting with a 75% vote of the Executive Committee and student members.
- If the Annual General Meeting is not held for four consecutive years, the organization shall be considered automatically dissolved.
- Any remaining funds and assets shall be donated to the Makuṭārama Myanmar Temple.
