IUSF calls off satyagraha campaign near Colombo-Fort railway station
View(s):The Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) has given a further period to the Government to resolve a string of education related issues and have called off a satyagraha campaign opposite the Colombo-Fort railway station.
Several education and public sector unions extended support to the protestors.
The IUSF erected a temporary shelter near the railway station for their satyagraha against the Government’s attempt to bring in amendments to the General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Act and against the delay in re-opening of state universities among other issues.
Education professional unions including the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA), Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), Ceylon Teacher Services Union (CTSU) took part in the satyagraha, while trade union leaders from several other professions too voiced their concern over the alleged move to militarise the education system and to universities being closed for more than two years.
The FUTA’s Dr. Mahim Mendis said university teachers will continue to reject any attempts made by the government to pass amendments to the Act.
“We strongly believe that civil education should not have any military involvement. In a democratic framework, civil students are groomed to question authorities and not just follow orders,” he said.
Demanding the Government to withdraw controversial amendments to the Act and re-open state universities were the Government Dental Surgeon’s Association, Federation of Media Employees and Trade Unions, Protect Union, Ceylon Bank Employees Union, Government Printing Employees Union, and a number of other trade unions.
The protestors claimed the Government was trying to oppress the student movement by delaying the re-opening of state universities and delaying academic activities.
Government Dental Surgeon’s Association Secretary Vipula Wickremasinghe said both actions by the Government will add more to the growing unpopularity.
Dharmasiri Lankapeli of the Federation of Media Employees and Trade Unions said by getting the UGC Chairman represented in the governing body of the Kotelawala University which consists of top military officials, the Government was promoting military involvement even in the higher education sector.
The CTU’s Joseph Stalin said unions will continue to protest against the Government’s move to take away the UGC’s role as the main regulator of state universities and give powers to a military university to establish schools and therefore pose a threat to the country’s free education system.
Student unions representing many state universities joined the satyagraha and protest march held in Colombo on Friday. (NF)
(See related pictures on Page 10)
Pix by M. D. Nissanka
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!