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Govt. won’t interfere in university internal matters, says Higher Education Minister
View(s):Government, under the Yahapalanaya, has decided to adopt a “hands off” approach to problems arising within universities, and will not mediate with students involved in demonstrations and strikes.
Higher Education Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama said that, in future his Ministry will only deal with policy issues within universities.
He said that, he has had talks with the university administrators islandwide, explaining the need to take responsibility in resolving issues arising within universities, and that, they had agreed to do so.
The Government’s decision comes in the wake of Peradeniya University students refusing to entertain President Maithripala Sirisena and Minister Amunugama as Chief Guests at a ceremonial opening of a building within the university complex, a few weeks ago.
He confirmed that, to this end, he has made several new appointments within the university administration, including Vice Chancellors and other administrative officers, and that, these capable teams will be able to resolve issues raised by undergraduates.
“We do not have to interfere in their day-to-day matters,” he said. “Nowhere in the world does the government involve in day-to-day matters of universities,” he added.
However, he said that, if despite the good offices of university administrations, undergraduates go on strike, the police will deal with them. “Under the 19th Amendment, the police have been given powers to deal with the undergraduates for breaking the law,” he said.
- Chrishanthi Christopher