Academics holdout

By Binoy Suriyaarachchi, Ceylon Today

A request made by the Examination Department to university dons to take part in assessing answer scripts of the GCE Advanced Level Examination, was yesterday refused by the Federation of the University Teachers' Association (FUTA).

FUTA President, Dr. Nimal Ranjith Devasiri speaking to Ceylon Today said they have informed all academics to not engage in such action until their demands are granted unconditionally.

“Since, we have been involved in trade union action, the professors, doctors and lecturers will be not participated for the purpose,” he said. 

Dr. Devasiri also said even though the Commissioner General of Examinations W.M.N.J. Pushpakumara had informed university academics to take part in a discussion to be held at the Examinations Department on Monday (24) none of the academics will participate.

Meanwhile, a march from Galle to Colombo to create awareness among the general public about their trade union action will be launched, today.

The academic staff of the Peradeniya Medical Faculty has also extended their support to FUTA’s trade union action, with effect from today.

Previously, with the exception of the academic staff of the Ruhuna Medical Faculty the academic staff of other medical faculties refrained from joining the strike.
The university academics commenced trade union action on 4 July, demanding the government address the fundamental issues which have been neglected for a long time in the educational sector.

The issues which have been highlighted by FUTA are the allocation of 6% from the GDP for the education sector with an adequate pay increase for university academics in order to prevent the` brain drain.’ FUTA also demanded decisions with regard to the education sector should be taken in consultation with the university academics