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‘Universities can hold physical convocations’

18 Feb 2021

  • UGC says no special permission for KDU

  As news reports circulated claiming that the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) was provided special permission to conduct a physical convocation ceremony for its graduates, The Morning learnt that universities do not require special permission to conduct convocation ceremonies amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to The Morning, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Senior Prof. Sampath Amaratunge said that universities are allowed to hold physical convocation ceremonies in adherence to health guidelines, abiding by the stipulated seating arrangements and venue capacity limits. “Universities have not been asked not to hold convocation ceremonies. Apart from the KDU, many other foreign university-affiliated institutes have held their convocation ceremonies during the pandemic. However, state universities normally have about 3,000 students graduating every year, and if they were to hold a convocation for all of them at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), it would take a long time because the BMICH cannot hold its full capacity due to the Covid-19 guidelines.” The KDU held its general convocation for 2020 where 1,140 graduands were awarded their bachelors and masters’ degrees in seven sessions on 17, 18, and 19 January at the Eagles’ Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall, and the final session took place on 16 February with the participation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Prof. Amaratunge also said that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were conducted on all staff members who were present at the KDU General Convocation, and said that all health guidelines were followed. The Morning also learnt that the University of Moratuwa held its general convocation in August 2020 at the BMICH before the outbreak of the second wave of the pandemic. Many state universities held virtual convocation ceremonies with limited physical participation of faculty members, staff, and students.


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