News
Country fast running out of dons to keep universities ticking
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sri Lankan universities need about 11,900 academics to function optimally, but, however, only 6,300 lecturers were available by the beginning of the year, Prof. Barana Jayawardana, Department of Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, and the head of the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA), said.
Prof. Jayawardena added that the number could be as low as 5,900 now, given the exodus of lecturers during the past few months.
In 2017, there were about 30,000 students in state universities. By 2022, the number has increased to about 43,000. This is about a 50 percent increase in the student population, he said.
“However, the number of lecturers have reduced. Usually, we take in students who have a first or second upper class as probationary lecturers. They must get their postgraduate degree within eight years and to be made a senior lecturer at a university. Those who complete PhDs at top universities often leave the country. These are people between the ages of 35 and 40, and they become demotivated because of the status of the country, the opportunity cost, and the high taxes that have made life hard here,” he said.
Professor Jayawardana added that probationary lecturers, who have had opportunities to leave the country for higher education, are also leaving in large numbers. They often resign from their jobs at the university and leave.
“To retain the job, while they study abroad, the probationary lecturers have to sign a bond with the university. You need two guarantors for the bond, too. This has become a large bond because of the devaluation of the rupee, and it is hard to find people to be guarantors. The bond can range from five to 10 million. So the probationary lecturers forget about retaining the job, quit, and leave,” he said.
An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.
Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.
Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.
Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)
News
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.
Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.
Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.
DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..
One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.
The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.
The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.
Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.
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