Where were the patriotic university teachers, asks Peradeniya FUTA

September 18, 2012, 11:56 pm 

By Cyril Wimalasurendre, The Island

KANDY: The university teachers launched their trade union action two and a half months ago, but where were the so-called Patriotic University Teachers’ Alliance and its convenor? the Peradeniya Federation of University Teachers Association asked yesterday.

This question was raised by the PFUTA at a media conference held to brief the media on the public meeting organised by FUTA in Kandy on Thursday (20).

The meeting, one in a series of public meetings, organised by the FUTA, will be held at the Getambe Municipal playground commencing at 3.30 p.m.

Urging the government to increase funds for education, according to the so-called Patriotic University Teachers’ Alliance is unpatriotic. Then what is patriotic, asked Professor Anura Wickremasinghe, of the Engineering Faculty of the University of Peradeniya.

He asked whether it was unpatriotic to provide a good education to the children.

Professor Wickremasinghe who was earlier Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya said that there had been, throughout history, such selfish characters like the so-called Patriotic University Teachers’ Alliance who would do anything for personal gain.

Dr. Prasanna Gunawardana said the campaign launched and continued for over two months by the FUTA should not be underestimated since the university teachers had resorted to trade union action for the benefit of the country’s future generation.

The so-called Patriotic University Teachers’ Alliance was misleading the public, Dr. Gunawardana added.

Professor Carmen Wickremagamage said that the statement by the so-called Patriotic University Teachers’ Organisation should not be taken serious.

Dr. Sanjeewa Maithripala, Dr. Ruwan Jayasinghe, Dr. Shyama Kumara Banneheka, Dr. H. Jayawardana and student leaders Janaka Thilanga Madushantha also addressed media at the Faculty of Agriculture, Peradeniya.