News
Silent icon of FUTA protest that demanded six percent of GDP for education recalled by PM
By Saman Indrajith
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament that the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) protest of 2011-2012, which demanded 6 percent of GDP for education, would not have been successful without the tireless efforts of Dr. Janaki Jayawardena, who tragically passed away in a road accident just a few days ago.
Speaking during the third reading stage debate on Budget 2025 under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education expenditure heads, the Prime Minister stated that Dr. Janaki Jayawardena sold a piece of her land to raise funds to provide T-shirts to protesting academics.
She said: “Today, we are represented by fourteen members who entered Parliament through the university system. However, I would like to take a moment to remember a close colleague of ours, Dr. Janaki Jayawardena, who tragically passed away in a road accident just a few days ago. While my primary reason for mentioning Dr. Jayawardena at the beginning of this speech is to express my deepest condolences, I also want to take this opportunity to recognise her exemplary dedication, integrity, and service. Janaki embodied these ideals, and she remains a model for all of us. Her students had immense love and respect for her, and she was an exceptional colleague who worked tirelessly and inspired us all. Losing such a distinguished academic is a significant loss to our nation, which is why I began my speech by remembering her.
The protest led by FUTA in 2011-2012 marked a significant turning point. It demonstrated that leadership in societal movements can extend beyond addressing professional demands.
The protest was focused on addressing broader issues in education. It was supported by both trade unions and the wider community, who felt deep empathy for the cause. The movement brought together various unions, teachers’ organisations, civil society, and concerned citizens, sending a powerful message that together, we can advocate for and protest in pursuit of a common cause. Dr. Jayawardena was one of the key figures leading this movement. She led quietly, without seeking the spotlight. However, the struggle would not have succeeded without her. You may recall the five-day march from Galle to Colombo, which was part of this movement. University academics wore black and orange T-shirts marked with ‘6%’. We didn’t have enough funds to print these T-shirts, so Dr. Janaki Jayawardena sold a piece of her land to raise the money. That was the kind of person she was—someone willing to sacrifice everything for what she believed in and unafraid to lead. Her absence is deeply felt at this time. We need leaders like her.”
Members of the South Asian Journalists Forum have gathered at the University of New Delhi for a two day conference themed ‘Peace and Co-operation’.
Journalists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India are attending the conference hosted by the University of Delhi in collaboration with the India Chapter of SJF, and will deliberate on how the media can act as a catalyst for regional stability and mutual coexsistence.
A tree plantation campaign was also held at the Ghandi Bhawan premises of the University to mark the event and symbolize growing regional ties.
The Sri Lanka delegation is led by President of SJF’s Sri Lanka Chapter Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi.
The Governor of the of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghvi, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursdy [February 05] at the Parliamentary Complex to discuss the arrangements related to the exposition of the Devnimori Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which have been brought to Sri Lanka under the patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India.
These sacred relics of Lord Buddha were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Until now, these relics had never been taken outside India. As a result of discussions held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, the people of Sri Lanka have been granted this rare opportunity to venerate these sacred relics.
The exposition of the relics is being held for a period of seven days, from February 05 to February 11, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo. Discussions were held between both parties regarding the arrangements related to this event.
The discussion was attended by Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Culture; Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka; Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation; along with several others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) GHARIAL made a port call in Colombo for operational turnarounds on 04 Feb 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
Commanded by Commander Gaurav Tewari, INS GHARIAL is a vessel with a length of 124.8 meters.
During this visit, ten (10) Bailey Bridges, brought by ship, through the coordination of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, will be handed over to the Disaster Management Center. These bridges will provide temporary transportation links while bridges damaged across the island by adverse weather conditions are repaired.
The crew’s itinerary features scheduled goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy, alongside visits to several tourist attractions across the island.
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