FUTA in critical talks with Basil to end crisis

October 6, 2012, 7:13 pm , The Island

The Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) met with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday evening for critical talks to end the crisis, but there was no immediate word on the outcome as the deliberations were expected to continue for at least four hours.

Prior to the discussions, FUTA President, Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri told the media that if an agreement could be reached on the salary issue and other matters relating to university autonomy, the association is prepared to resume work.

He expressed willingness to compromise the demand for a 6% allocation of the GDP for education and this factor will not form the crux of their demands.

"If certain of our demands are met we are willing to willing to resume work immediately, while continuing to push for the 6% allocation.

He said that posters of a ‘provocative nature’ had been pasted outside his house on Friday night.