The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) struck work for a day (9) voicing concern over the falling standards of higher education.
FUTA President Chandraguptha Thenuwara told fellow strikers that the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Higher Education Ministry were engaged in selling State education on one side, whilst politicizing both the university system and administration on the other.
Falling standards of Higher Education; teachers on token strike
BY Ruwan Laknath Jayakody and Rathindra Kuruwita
The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) struck work for a day (9) voicing concern over the falling standards of higher education.
FUTA President Chandraguptha Thenuwara told fellow strikers that the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Higher Education Ministry were engaged in selling State education on one side, whilst politicizing both the university system and administration on the other.
FUTA President Chandraguptha Thenuwara told fellow strikers that the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Higher Education Ministry were engaged in selling State education on one side, whilst politicizing both the university system and administration on the other.
The protest was held opposite the UGC.
The quality of education has fallen, dramatically, while funding of State universities had been drastically cut. Private universities, which do not provide a good standard of education were allowed open in, because they are Board of Investment projects, licensed by the ministry, he said.
"The government administration interfered in student admissions to universities and the appointment of Vice Chancellors. Vice Chancellors have become political prey. Only a minister's or a ministry secretary's signature is necessary to appoint a Vice-Chancellor. All talks held with the authorities and letters written, have been to no avail," Thenuwara said.
He also said that the rights of undergraduates were being revoked due to student oppression.
"Because State funding has been reduced systematically, universities resort to selling external degrees. The UGC mechanism has been undermined. We want 6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product allocated to education," Thenuwara added.
The strike and protest march was held opposite the UGC premises in Colombo.
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