NGO tells Peradeniya Uni. not to hold exams for AHS students

May 23, 2014, 9:21 pm , The Island

By Dasun Edirisinghe

The Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR) has written to the Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University yesterday requesting him to rethink his decision to hold examinations for the Allied Health Sciences (AHS) students given the prevailing turbulent situation.

CHR Chief Rajitha Keerthi Tennakoon said in his letter that the university administration must attempt to evolve an acceptable solution to the issues faced by the students, with the participation of all stakeholders, instead of holding exams.

At present AHS students of the Peradeniya University are staging a Sathyagraha at the Galaha junction against the reduction of the duration of the degree course from four years to three from this year.

"It is obvious that some parties are attempting to brutally suppress students who are engaged in peaceful demonstrations to seek redress to issues that affect their entire lives," Tennakoon said adding that the Allied Health Sciences issue was the biggest issue in higher education this year and solving the issue was beyond the university, it was a question about formulating a national education policy.

He alleged that instead of finding a sustainable solution to the crisis, the university administration was attempting to suppress students by holding exams despite the stiff opposition of the students.

When contacted for comment, Dean of the Faculty Dr. D. B. M. Wickremeratne said that the AHS faculty was open and academic activities were continuing as usual.

He said that examinations for some batches were going on these days and a section of student did not come to lectures, but they had to continue academic calendar as faculty continued to conduct lectures.