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University English instructors threaten strike action
Wants meeting with UGC head
Amidst the ongoing strike by the Educational Assistants of the Open University of Sri Lanka, The University English Instructors' Association threatened yesterday to also launch a strike if their request for a meeting with the University Grants Commission Chairman was not granted.

The request for a meeting had been made following the UGC's cancellation of a circular dated May 1, 2004, which granted English Instructors the right to be promoted. Although the UGC Circular No. 842 gave Instructors the right to apply for higher posts, this right was terminated through a letter by the UGC on July 29, 2004.

The Association, which has written to the UGC Chairman and the Vice Chancellors of all twelve universities, has as yet not received any response from the authorities.

"We will go on a token strike on the August 16, and if our demands are not met we are prepared to extend the strike" said Association Secretary Mrs. Rushira Kulasinghe. The UEIA claims that this withdrawal of the right to apply for promotion is unfair on those who have already applied.

UGC Vice Chairman Prof. L.L. Ratnayake said the circular was terminated. "The circular was suspended for a while due to concerns expressed by the Teachers' Assocation," said Prof. Ratnayake. The Vice Chairman said the circular was under review by a committee and also indicated that formal talks with the UEIA would be commenced on Monday.
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