The Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) has warned of strong trade union action after talks with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya ended without resolving the ongoing crisis in the state university system.
FUTA Vice President Prof. Aruna Vanninayake said the association is currently consulting members on further union action, following demonstrations held outside university premises last week.
He stressed that persistent difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified academics continue to undermine the system.
The meeting with the Prime Minister took place on Wednesday at the Education Ministry in Battaramulla, where FUTA representatives raised concerns over delayed student admissions, extended study periods, and the shortage of academic staff.
FUTA Secretary Charudatta Ilangasinghe said no agreements were reached, accusing the government of showing little interest in addressing the issues.
FUTA President Prof. Ruchika Fernando added that despite earlier agreements with the President and proposals submitted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Committee of Vice Chancellors to expedite admissions, the proposals had still not reached the Presidential Secretariat.
Prof. Fernando expressed surprise that such critical proposals had not been acted upon, noting that FUTA has been waiting nearly a year for government action.
The association has signaled that unless urgent steps are taken, it will escalate its campaign with tougher trade union measures. (Newswire)
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