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.

Peradeniya Uni Senate approves four year duration for AHS degrees

May 23, 2014, 9:19 pm, The Island

By Dasun Edirisinghe

Senate of the Peradeniya University had approved the four year duration of the Allied Health Sciences degree course at its latest meeting held on Wednesday (21), Peradeniya AHS Faculty Dean Dr. D. B. M. Wickremeratne said.

He said that the university’s supreme body Senate had recognised it and approved the making of syllabi accordingly for four years.

AHS Faculty was started in 2007 in the Peradeniya University and since then six other universities in the country have commenced AHS courses, but they do not have separate AHS faculties. At present Universities of Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Ruhuna, Jaffna, Eastern, and South Eastern are the other seats of higher learning where AHS degree courses are taught.

Dr. Wickremeratne said that the Senate’s decision would be forwarded to the University Grant Commission’s approval.

At present, AHS students are conducting Sathyagrahas at five locations demanding the restoration of four year degree course. The Sathyagrahas at the Galaha junction, opposite Galle Bus Stand, opposite Fort Railway Station, opposite Sri Jayewardenepura University have passed 151, 143, 57 and 15 days respectively. A token stathyagraha is conducted opposite the UGC every day.

Convener of the Inter University Students’ Federation Najith Indika said that the decision of the Senate of the Peradeniya University was a victory for their struggle.

"We are pushing the Senates of other Universities, too, to approve four year duration for AHS degrees," Indika said.