• FUTA to halt action temporarily

Prime Minister, Harini Amarasuriya, yesterday appointed Professor R.M.U.S.K. Ratnayake as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna by a gazette effective from 25 November.

Amarasuriya did so as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational training.

“…On being satisfied that the administration of the University of Ruhuna being seriously dislocated and that authorities of said university failed to restore normal conditions….appoint professor R.M.U.S.K Ratnayake,” the gazette, which was published yesterday (24) said.

This is following strikes by both academic and non-academic staff by the University of Ruhuna who demanded the removal of the former vice chancellor, Professor Sujeewa Amarasena, who has been accused by trade unions of putting pressure on staff and students, allegedly following personal agendas.

Following these protests, former Vice Chancellor, Amarasena, stated that the demand to oust him was not taken through ‘democratic dialogue’. Amarasena stated that he will not resign despite the protest.

Trade Unions however have welcomed the removal of the Vice Chancellor.

“We have been requesting the removal of the vice-chancellor and we have got what we wanted,” Senior Lecturer and Federation of university teachers association (FUTA) Secretary, Charudaththe Illangasinghe, told The Daily Morning yesterday (24). “So therefore we have temporarily stopped our actions. However, we must keep in mind that the old vice chancellor has the power to challenge him in Court.”