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Medical dons warn ongoing strike further blow to medical studies
View(s):Urging that speedy measures should be taken to resolve the trade union action of the non-academic staff of the state universities, the Kelaniya University Faculty of Medicine Teachers’ Association (KUFMTA) has expressed serious concern over the disruption of academic activities of the medical faculties.
In a letter to Higher Education Minister Kabir Hashim, the KUFMTA has noted with “dismay and concern” that a solution has not been found yet for the ongoing trade union action.
“This trade union action has completely disrupted the academic activities of the university system and more so in the Faculties of Medicine, since medical education was earlier disrupted for over 10 months over matters relating to the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) issue,” the association states, reiterating that it was with great difficulty that the medical education programmes were resumed.
The letter, signed by KUFMTA President Prof. Ranil Fernando and Secretary Dr. Thilina Palihawadana, states that the current trade union action of the non-academic staff will lead to the closure of the medical faculties, as these faculties cannot function without their contributions. It will also lead to the disruption of research activities and loss of invaluable specimens collected over years of hard work.
“Therefore, it is essential that speedy action is taken to resolve this matter,” adds KUFMTA.