The Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected a plea by the Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) to withdraw an interim order given earlier, preventing them from resigning from their administrative duties at universities.
The Court of Appeal two weeks ago gave the interim order after considering a Writ Application filed by three university students, asking that the teachers be prevented from resigning from their posts, as it disrupted their studies.
The interim order remains till June 30.
Attorney M.A. Sumanthiram, appearing for the Respondents, in his submission said that, when a case is heard ex-parte, the maximum interim order should be of two weeks. He also stated that, when the resignation is submitted, it is operative, and the provision provided in the rule is that a person should be appointed forthwith.
Counsel for the Petitioners Sanjeewa Jayawardena and Faiz Mustapha P.C. informed Court that the resignation of several heads of departments of many universities would disrupt the entire education system of the university, and would be a detrimental blow to the students’ education. They also stated that, if they have a grouse, they should approach it in a different way, and not hold the students and the education system to ransom.
The Bench comprised of Justices Sathya Hettige (President) and Upali Abeyrathne. |
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