News
IUSF threatens showdown
By Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon
The university system is facing a grave crisis as around 40 percent of the lecturers have left the state education system, says the Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) Madushan Chandrajith.
Chandrajith said the ‘exodus’ of top academics would lead to a massive drop in the quality of education as most of those who have left are among the cream of scholars.Chandrajith said that about one-third of students in state universities, eligible for hostel facilities, did not have access to them.He warned that the IUSF will organise massive protests, in the coming weeks, if steps are not taken to resolve the many issues in the University system.
While the Mahapola scholarship has not been increased, the prices of food in the hostels have risen dramatically, he said.
“About 2,500 students in Kelaniya, 4,000 students in Rajarata and 6,000 in Peradeniya do not have hostel accommodation,” he went on to say..According to Chandrajith, a student needs about Rs 20,000 a month to meet basic needs.
“One requires about Rs 12,000 a month for food alone,” he said.
A senior official at the Ministry of Public Administration told The Island that some lecturers and doctors had a 100 percent attendance record but they avoided work.
“They are responsible for the attendance registry and they cook up the books to have full attendance. They take a lot of OT payments by doing this. We are looking at introducing a digital mechanism to mark attendance at universities and hospitals,” he said.
Emeritus Professor of Anthropology Gananath Obeyesekere has passed away at the age of 95.
Latest News
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
The Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake issuing a media release states that the acceptance of nominations for the Punakiri Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kilinochchi district, Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mannar district and Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha in the Ampara district which commenced on 24th March will end at 12noon on 27th March 2025.
The poll notice for the three above named local authorities was published on 10th March 2025 and the acceptance of deposits for the same will end at 12noon on 26th March 2025.
The annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna was successfully held on 21 and 22 Mar 25.
Demonstrating its commitment to community and social responsibility, the Sri Lanka Navy enabled facilities for the conduct of the event and
convenience of devotees.
In accordance with the directives of the Commander of the Navy and under the supervision of the Commander Northern Naval Area, the Navy provided sea transportation for the event. Additionally, they ensured the safety and convenience of devotees by providing sanitary and medical facilities, drinking water, essential infrastructure, and deploying lifesaving teams.
The main mass of the church festival was conducted by the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese Very Rev. Fr. P Josephdas Jebarathnam.
This year’s event saw the participation of a gathering of priests and nuns from various regions, alongside a significant number of devotees.
The festival also highlighted the Navy’s ongoing dedication to fostering social welfare and promoting religious and cultural harmony.
(Navy Media)
Prof. Gananath Obeyesekere passes away aged 95
Acceptance of nominations for Punakiri, Mannar and Dehiattakandiya local authorities ends at 12 noon on Thursday (27th March 2025)
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