Sriyani Wijesinghe
The Rajarata University Teachers’ Association announced that all academic activities at the university have come to a complete halt due to the ongoing strike launched by its members.
The President of the Association, Professor Nalaka Geekiyanage, said that the strike, which began on October 30, will continue until the issue regarding the appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor is resolved.
He stated that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had informed the university of three nominated candidates for the post of Vice-Chancellor after a delay of four months, without providing any explanation for the delay.
Despite objections raised by the University’s Governing Council, a newspaper advertisement has been published calling for new applications for the Vice-Chancellor post, Professor Geekiyanage said.
He further alleged that political interference, including that of the Speaker, has affected several universities in recent months. The teachers claim that the Acting Vice-Chancellor is behind these developments and is making a “shameful attempt” to secure the position for himself by misleading the President and using political influence.
Professor Geekiyanage added that the Teachers’ Association has requested a meeting with the President to discuss and resolve the matter.
