UGC’s failure to withdraw circulars irks FUTA

October 23, 2012, 10:09 pm


by Dasun Edirisinghe, The Island

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) yesterday accused the University Grants Commission (UGC) of failing to withdraw several controversial circulars issued during its 99-day strike, though Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa had promised to have them withdrawn immediately. The FUTA suspended its strike on Oct. 11.

FUTA President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri told The Island that in line with the agreement between FUTA and Minister Rajapaksa, all circulars, which interfered with the normal functioning of universities, would be withdrawn.

Dr. Dewasiri alleged that UGC was trying to delay the process by appointing a committee to go through the circulars.

The academic said FUTA executive committee would evaluate the progress of the implementation of its agreement with Minister Rajapaksa this week.

"Our executive committee is not happy with the progress of implementing the promises and we will decide on our future course of action shortly," Dr. Dewasiri said.

When contacted by The Island, UGC Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayake said circulars could not be cancelled overnight that process took some time.