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IUSF accuses UGC Chair of apathy

03 Jun 2022

  • Takes to task lack of proactive approach to resolving undergrads’ concerns, universities’ closure 
  • Claims Govt. intentionally keeping universities closed due to fear of public struggle
Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Convenor Wasantha Mudalige yesterday (2) accused the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge of not being actively involved in resolving the immediate concerns of university students, including the continued closures of universities.  “In 2020, everything, including universities, went into lockdown without a plan. But other Government institutions opened up with a plan but the universities are still closed, without a reopening date. Universities are not fully reopened yet. Is this what students study 13 years in school for? Students from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 intakes have not properly come to university with some having not even stepped inside one yet,” Mudalige claimed while addressing the media following a discussion with the UGC yesterday.  He claimed that Prof. Amaratunge was not available for the discussion, “as he wants to go abroad today (3)” and that they were only granted a meeting with the UGC Vice Chairman Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte.  “Is the Chairman not concerned about these students? Students have not received the Mahapola Government scholarship in months, canteen prices have risen, and hostel students cannot eat three meals,” said Mudalige.  He further claimed that the Government is intentionally keeping universities closed down as the Government is “afraid of the public struggle”.  Attempts by The Morning to contact Prof. Amaratunge proved futile.


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