Govt. should make stance clear on KDU issue- Dr. Nalinda

On Jul 23, 2021

The Government should clearly state whether it plans to continue the Defence University status of the Kotelawala National Defence University (KDU) or whether it will be converted to a civil university, former JVP Parliamentarian Dr.Nalinda Jayatissa said.

He was addressing a press conference at the JVP Headquarters in Battaramulla. He pointed out that the Government has decided to take up the vote of the KDU Bill in Parliament on August 6.

He added that the recent Amendment to the Universities Act of 1978 does not remove the controversial provisions of the KDU Bill, which the JVP has objected to. He stated that the military structure and involvement of the KDU remains even after the proposed Amendment. “The President has to clearly mention whether it will continue as a Defence University or a university belonging to civil students. The Government should not mix up defence personnel and civil students. We are not against giving higher education for Cadet Officers of the Tri-Forces, but then it should be a defence university. The KDU Bill ruins the academic freedom and independence of the State university system. The decisions pertaining to higher education must be taken carefully after a broad discussion,” he commented.