The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) yesterday (16) said it will request the University Grants Commission (UGC) to review a new circular that makes it mandatory for staff or officials to supervise all communal student activities.
FUTA President Prof. Prageeth Weerathunga told The Daily Morning the rule is impractical and that the Association will discuss proposed changes with the UGC.
"On 14 February, we met the Rajarata University Chancellor as an initiative before discussing with the UGC," he said. Prof. Weerathunga explained that it was the UGC’s Gender Cell that recommended issuing the said circular. He noted that following the recent incident where a student of the Sabaragamuwa University committed suicide, the Supreme Court (SC) issued an order stating the vice chancellors of the universities, the faculties deans and departments heads, senior student counsellors, student counsellors and the marshals are responsible for the activities done by students and regarding whatever that happens to students within university premises, and that therefore, the said circular expects to address these concerns. “Since this is an SC order, it cannot be challenged. Yet, we have identified that this is not a practical circular at all," he said. "The university students are adults, and they cannot be supervised by a staff member, practically speaking."
As the FUTA, he affirmed that they accept the fact that ragging and any other abusive activity should be eradicated from the universities. "By principle, it is a zero tolerance policy that we have towards ragging. Hence, we are not completely excluding this circular. Yet, in order to change some of the aspects of it to make it more practical, we are planning to discuss it with the UGC."
On 6 February, the UGC enacted the Circular Number 02/2026, directing that all student-organised university events be conducted under the supervision of a responsible university officer until further notice. It has elaborated that the staff member or responsible university official must be present at all times during rehearsals and preparations, including the setting up of decorations, and during the event itself. It has prohibited the holding of any event within the university premises without complying with these instructions.