Our colleagues in the Universities in Sri Lanka have now been on strike for several weeks, partly over immediate issues of pay, but partly over the broader need to challenge the state’s steady withdrawal from its responsibilities for the education of its citizens. Right now, academics are taking to the streets to collect signatures on a petition calling for the government to commit to UNESCO’s target of spending 6% of GDP on education. This aspect of the campaign is proving very successful indeed.
There is an excellent article in The Hindu newspaper setting out the issues at stake, which may sound quite familiar to anyone involved in UK HE: The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : The writing on the campus wall
And, most important of all, the petition itself (which non-Sri Lankans are encouraged to sign too) is here.
Our colleagues in FUTA will appreciate all gestures of support and solidarity.
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