FUTA in new partnership with JVP to win demands

August 8, 2012, 10:40 pm , the island

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Having held discussions with the JVP yesterday, the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) declared that it would expand the ongoing struggle for higher wages and enhanced state funding for the education sector.

Addressing the media at the JVP head office, FUTA President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri said that the JVP and FUTA intended to transform the ongoing struggle into a people’s struggle. He said that they could work together as the JVP was keen on this particular issue.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said that the party was ready to spearhead a common programme with the participation of the people. Silva strongly supported FUTA’s demand for the allocation of 6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for education.

The JVP delegation comprised Tilvin Silva, JVP Parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, MP Vijitha Herath and Nalin Jayatissa. The FUTA D delegation included Prof. Devasiri, Ven. Dambara Amila thero, Dr. Kumudu Kusum Kumara, Dr Anura Kumara, senior lecturer Dileepa Vitharana and Dr. Jinasena Hewage.

Dr. Devasiri said that FUTA had had the opportunity to brief the JVP on its demands as well as proposals.

The FUTA had a longstanding understanding with the JVP, particularly National List MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Dr. Devasiri said, adding that they had met in Parliament on several occasions to discuss the issue.

Dr. Devasiri quoted JVP delegates as having said that their party would back FUTA initiative. The JVP had also stressed the importance of bringing the struggle to a successful conclusion, the FUTA chief said.