Dons abandon trade union action against Colombo VC

June 13, 2013, 10:10 pm

by Dasun Edirisinghe, the island

The Colombo University Teachers’ Association (CUTA), which at the end of May threatened an all-out strike within two weeks, if newly appointed Vice Chancellor did not step down from the post, have given up their demand as they lack support.

University sources told The Island yesterday that the scheduled strike would not be staged due to the faculty teachers’ unions not supporting the trade union action.

A section of Colombo University teachers opposed the appointment of new VC, Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama, who assumed duties on May 27, claiming that it was politically motivated and unethical as his wife was serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

On condition of anonymity, a senior academic, attached to the Colombo University, said that the CUTA’s decision to stop all correspondence with the Vice Chancellor, too, had failed.

"Earlier, we planned not to accept memos or letters from the newly appointed VC, but we cannot do it because the majority of teachers do not like to do so," he said, adding that they could not boycott the meetings with the VC either, as planned earlier.

However, that did not mean that the CTUA accepted Dr. Hirimburegama’s appointment as VC, he said.

The academic said that some teachers believed that it was an appointment made by President Mahinda Rajakapska and it could

not be reversed even if they protested. Another faction of teachers was afraid of being victimised by the university administration for openly fighting against the VC.

The reversed decision would be announced at a future media conference scheduled for the last week of the month, the sources said.

Kelaniya don’s petition  dismissed

June 5, 2013, 10:26 pm , the island

by Chitra Weerarathne

The Court of Appeal recently dismissed the Writ Application, filed by Prof. M. D. Amerasinghe, Head of the Department of Botany of the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya against the appointment of Prof. D. D. S. Kulatunga as the Dean of the Faculty of Science of the same University by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sarath Amunugama, in January 2012.

In his judgment President of the Court of Appeal, Justice S. Sriskandarajah, explained that, in the present case, merely a complaint had been made and a criminal case instituted in the Magistrate’s Court. But, the second respondent, Prof. D. D. S. Kulatunga had not been convicted in the proceedings of the magisterial inquiry. The court had observed that the departmental inquiry revealed that there was no evidence to convict Prof. Kulatunga for any charge brought against him.

In the circumstances, the first respondent, Vice Chancellor, could not be faulted for not taking any steps against the second respondent, Prof. Kulatunga, who had been the Head of the Department of Mathematics and entitled to contest for the post of the Dean, Faculty of Science. At the election, he had been elected as the Dean of the Faculty. In the circumstances, the Vice Chancellor had no option but to appoint Prof. Kulatunga the Dean of the Science Faculty. Hence, the appointment could not be challenged as ultra vires of the provisions of law or on the ground of procedural irregularity. Therefore, the Court of Appeal dismissed the petition, but without cost.

N. Kodituwakku appeared for the petitioner Professor Mala D. Amerasinghe. The Deputy Solicitor General, Neil Unambuwe, appeared for the respondents.

Govt. tackles student issues in highhanded manner – FUTA

June 5, 2013, 10:11 pm , the island

By Dasun Edirisinghe

The government’s crushing of Sabaragamuwa University undergraduates’ protest last Saturday proved its overall plan to manipulate and control universities according to its whims and fancies and to gradually destroy the state education system, Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) claimed yesterday.

Addressing a media briefing at the Open University of Sri Lanka, FUTA President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said that it was extremely important to engage constructively and critically with students regarding their collective actions.

"We unreservedly condemn the violent response of the authorities to students’ protest and call upon them to adopt a more flexible approach in dealing with student issues," he said.

 Dr. Dewasiri said that the government’s response was extremely provocative and high-handed. Even violent demonstrations and fasts by members close to the government were dealt with completely differently when compared to how student demonstrations and protests were handled.

Banning of student unions of the Sabaragamuwa University few months ago was a violation of the democratic rights of students, the FUTA chief said, adding that they believed that the crisis that had developed over the last few days was yet another consequence of the short-sighted measures of university authorities in responding to student protests.

"Our attention is drawn to two aspects in relation to this situation: firstly, the response of the university administration to student protests and secondly the response of the police and government authorities to student protests," Dr. Dewasiri said, noting that they had found that the university administration police as well as government authorities had comprehensively failed to respond effectively and appropriately to the situation that has arisen due to student protests.

The senior academic also said that the Teachers’ Union of Sabaragamuwa University had grave concerns about student behaviour in the buildup and during the series of protests. However, that did not justify the anti-democratic and aggressive response of the authorities to the student protest, Dr. Dewasiri said. 

The police riot squad finally dispersed the protesters with the liberal use of tear gas after they blocked the Badulla–Colombo highway for about six hours.

Sabaragamuwa u’grads worried about repercussions

June 3, 2013, 9:31 pm , THE ISLAND

by Dasun Edirisinghe

 Undergraduates of the Sabaragamuwa University yesterday claimed that the university administration planned to suspend 45 students for organising Saturday’s protest against the suspension of eight students.

Spokesman of the Sabaragamuwa University Students’ Collective Rasindu Jayasinghe claimed that there was a list of 45 students, prepared by the disciplinary committee, with the knowledge of Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake, to be suspended.

"Minister Dissanayake wants to suspend students disregarding the University Council," he said.

Undergraduates of the Sabaragamuwa University launched a hunger strike last Thursday, demanding the withdrawal of the eight-month suspension imposed on eight students by the university administration. Another section of undergraduates organised a protest blocking the Badulla–Colombo road on Saturday. They obstructed vehicular movement for six hours, finally the police had to fire tear gas to disperse them and reopen the road.

Jayasinghe said that several times during the last few months the Higher Education Ministry had threatened student leaders who organised struggles against academic and welfare problems.

"We don’t need to develop this to the closure of the university as this is the exam period," he said, adding that they would complain to the Human Rights Commission shortly.

When contacted, Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Mahinda Rupasinghe said that the university administration was yet to take a decision on suspending the 45 students.

"We cannot suspend students suddenly," Prof. Rupesinghe said, noting that it had to be decided through a disciplinary inquiry and relevant procedures.

Registrar of the University M. M. Wimalasiri also denied any decision to suspend 45 students.

OIC of the Samanalawewa police Lawrence Fernando said that they were looking for another suspect who had helped protesting students to obstruct the Badulla-Colombo road.

Students involved in Sab. Uni. clash will be suspended -SB

June 2, 2013, 10:06 pm , the island


By Norman Palihawadana

Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake yesterday said that he would suspend the students who were responsible for the recent clashes at the Sabaragamuwa University.

The clashes followed the suspension of four students, who were members of the JVP-backed students’ union. They had been found guilty of visiting houses, where other students were boarded, at night and incident them to violence through indoctrination.

The Minister said that several students had held a protest blocking the highway and demanding that the suspensions of those four students be lifted.

In one instance they had obstructed the movement of three ambulances forcing the police to fire tear gas and subsequent to this the protesters had attacked the police with stones and other objects which resulted in the police baton charging them, Minister Dissanayake said.

Twelve policemen and 12 students were injured in the clashes while nine students were arrested and produced before Ratnapura Magistrate. They were released on bail , SSP Ratnapura Prishantha Jayakody said.

" A university driver, who was also responsible for the attack on the police, had not been granted bail." Jayakody.

Vice Chancellor Ven. Kamburugamuwe Vajira Thera said that the violence had been instigated by some elements against the government who wanted to disrupt the work in the university for political gain.

The police said that video footage on the protest was available with them and it would assist them in investigations.

SL undergrads’ English proficiency woefully low, a study reveals

May 29, 2013, 10:06 pm , the island

by Dasun Edirisinghe

Sri Lankan undergraduates’ proficiency in English was rather unsatisfactory, a study carried out by the Ruhuna University, has revealed.

According to excerpts of the research, findings in the Royal Asiatic Society’s 6th Research Conference publication, all undergraduates, save a few, especially in the Arts Faculties, lack knowledge of English.

The research was carried out by Dr. Tilak Wijesundara, of the Department of Sociology, W. A. N. D. Wijesinghe of the Department Economics and Upul Sanjeewa Wijepala of the Department of Sociology of the Ruhuna University.

The study was done with a randomly selected sample of 160 students in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ruhuna University and information was gathered with the help of four data collection methods including observation, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and case studies.

According to the research findings, the Ruhuna University is among the higher education institutions where students’ knowledge of English is very low.

Many respondents had a negative attitude towards the English Language Teaching Units (ELTUs) whereas a large majority admitted having scarcely used modern technology by ELTU in teaching English. They said they had not been motivated to learn English by teachers in ELTU.

It was also found that the majority of respondents attended English classes when they had no other activities to do. However, an overwhelming majority agreed that at least one course unit in a semester should be taught in English.

The researchers have said that based on these findings, it is possible to make some important recommendations such as creating an ‘English friendly’ culture, in universities and using English in conducting regular courses.

The need for using modern technology in teaching English, changing methods used by ELTUs and making English courses more attractive to capture students’ attention has been stressed.

When contacted for comment, Secretary of the Higher Education Ministry Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said that the problem had been identified several years back and steps taken to tackle it.

"However, most undergraduates have not made use of the opportunities and facilities available to learn English in universities," he said.

"The US government provided 10,000 scholarships to Sri Lankan undergraduates to learn English online in 2011, but only 3,000 have enrolled for the course so far," Dr. Navaratne said.

He said that ministry had decided to test the English and IT knowledge of undergraduates before degrees were awarded.

However, teaching only English grammar, was not enough, Dr. Navaratne said, stressing the need for imparting communication skills to undergraduates to prepare them for the modern world. He said the importance of learning English could not be overemphasised and the Ministry of Higher Education, under the guidance of Minister S. B. Dissanayake, was doing its utmost to help undergraduate to master the English language so that they would be able to grab opportunities available in the job market as well as in the academic field upon graduation.

Teachers Association of Eastern University 30 May 2013: Token strike

Explanatory Note:

Teachers Association of Eastern University

30 May 2013:   Token  strike

Self respect and dignity is common to all.

We are regretfully compelled to stage this strike against the abuse of one of our members by the Vice Chancellor,  disrespecting  his self respect and dignity.

On the 18^th of April 2013, the Vice Chancellor had summoned one of our members from Batticaloa  to his office at Vantharumoolai and ‘scolded him in an arrogant way and told him to quit his job immediately or find another job otherwise he will interdict him. Further he   threatened  him not to work with TAEU and told not to cooperate with the Dean and fellow academic staff from the Department’. Our member had been so depressed and worried he had to be hospitalized for treatment.

The Teachers Union of Eastern University   vehemently condemns this action.

The Vice Chancellor had claimed that he had summoned this staff on the complaint of the students of the medical faculty and told him that if fails to improve him he will  have to leave the university. It is unacceptable to accepted  that the students had directly complaint to the vice chancellor on the teaching by a member of staff and he had independently taken action  ignoring the channels of Head of department,  Dean of Faculty, Faculty Board, Student Counselors etc. Further  it questions the entire  stream of communication and channels and ridicules the role of various bodies of academic  administration.

At the same time, it is considered that a letter signed by some staff members in favour of the Vice Chancellor had been the cause  behind this episode where this particular staff member had refused to sign it. It is as known fact that the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the letter at the staff meeting and thanked the staff who had signed it in his support.

We had  encountered many situations in the past and had ignored it in the best interest of the University at large. (e.g)

a.     One of our staff member was interdicted for speaking on the mobile phone to the VC for 25 seconds as the VC claimed abuse over the phone

b.     The VC refused to accept the team which went on behalf of the affected candidate above.

c.      He had branded staff as ‘regionalist’  at a meeting held with him and  caused hurt

d.     Threatened the secretary of the TAEU that he will sack him

‘Sacking’ and ‘interdiction’ had become a part of his vocabulary at present.

We condemn the culture of  administrative arrogance. 

Though this token protest  focuses on the affected member of our staff  the principles enshrined are common to all members of staff at Eastern University.

‘Every employee has the right to his/her self respect and Dignity and it is not negotiable.’

C’bo Uni. teachers to strike if new VC doesn’t quit

May 27, 2013, 10:36 pm , The Island


The Colombo University Teachers’ Association (CUTA) yesterday threatened to launch an all-out strike if the newly appointed Vice Chancellor does not step down from the post within two weeks, or if President Mahinda Rajapaksa does not justify his appointment.

CUTA committee member and President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri told The Island that the teachers were opposed to the new VC, Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama, claiming that the appointment was politically motivated and unethical as his wife was serving as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

"We decided, at yesterday’s meeting, to boycott all meetings and communication with the new VC," Dr. Dewasiri said adding that they would not accept memos or letters from the newly appointed VC.

He said that three academics, including Dean of the Kothelawala Defence Univeristy’s Law Faculty Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa, former Arts Faculty Dean Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake and Science Faculty’s Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama applied for the post, but Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake obtained the majority of votes at the Council meeting.

The three names were sent to the President through the UGC, Dr. Dewasiri said.

"Our association believes that Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake is the most qualified person to handle the post," Dr. Dewasiri said.

The senior academic said that the CUTA will inform President Rajapaksa of their decision and they would go for an all out strike if President does not provide a solution.

The Colombo University announced yesterday that Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama was appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of the Colombo University by President Mahinda Rajapaksa with immediate effect.

FUTA rejects new Colombo VC

FUTA rejects new Colombo VC

Ceylon Today, 25/05/2013

By Aisha Nazim

Aggravating a simmering dispute over the appointment of a Vice Chancellor for the University of Colombo, university dons and the Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) have refused to accept the appointment of
Dr. Kumar Hirimburegama, spouse of the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), as the new Vice Chancellor.

Dr. Hirimburegama's appointment as Vice Chancellor was announced on Thursday evening by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
FUTA claims the appointment was clearly politically motivated in the light that other candidates, who had applied for the post, were more suitable.

The academics employed by the University of Colombo will not accept Dr. Hirimburegama as their Vice Chancellor, FUTA President
Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri said.
"We can assure you that we will not accept this appointment. We will boycott meetings that will be chaired by him and refrain from responding to official correspondence," Dr. Devasiri told Ceylon Today.“We will also give him some time to step down. Though it technically is a legal appointment, it is not a proper appointment. And we will definitely continue our struggle against this,” he added.

Dr. Devasiri said the Colombo University Teachers’ Union will be convened on Monday (27) to decide on further course of action.
He pointed out as there was a more suitable candidate for the vacancy, the appointment of Dr. Hirimburegama as the Vice Chancellor was ‘most unsuitable,’ especially as he is the spouse of the current UGC Chairperson.
However, the Ministry of Higher Education maintained to Ceylon Today the final decision of the appointment was up to President Rajapaksa, who would select the most suitable of the three candidates to fill the post.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Nandimithra Ekanayake, denied political motivations in backing the nominees. Ministry Spokesperson, Mangala Janaka, said likewise.
UGC Chairperson, Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, was unavailable for comment.

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