The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is also the Minister of Education, Higher Education, , has taken steps to address ongoing issues at the University of Ruhuna.
In an extraordinary gazette issued on November 24, 2024, Dr. Amarasuriya announced the appointment of Senior Professor R. M. U. S. K. Rathnayaka of the University of Sabaragamuwa as the Competent Authority of the university. This decision comes under the powers granted by Section 20(4)(b) of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978.
The appointment follows concerns that the university’s administration has been seriously disrupted and that its authorities have failed to restore normal operations. Effective November 25, 2024, Prof. Rathnayaka will take on the responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor. He will have the authority to perform all duties and functions assigned to the Vice-Chancellor under the Universities Act and other relevant regulations.
This move aims to stabilize the administration and bring the university back to normal operations.
Currently, there is a big protest including academics, nonacademic staff and students against Vice-Chancellor Professor Susirith Medis and the protesters urge him to resign immediately.
