FUTA expresses concern over shortage of university academics
View(s):The Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) has expressed deep concern over a critical shortage of university academics, which they warn is creating a severe crisis in Sri Lanka’s state university system.
FUTA Secretary Dr Charudaththa Ilangasinghe revealed that nearly 8,000 academic positions remain unfilled, with the current student-to-staff ratio requiring around 12,000-13,000 academics.
In 2024 alone, 1,000 academics have left, with 600 on sabbatical and 400 on foreign leave. Despite the government’s recent decision to appoint new academics, final approval from the Ministry of Finance is still pending.
FUTA continues to engage with the Prime Minister to address these concerns, but discussions have yet to yield a concrete solution, prompting the association to push for a swift government response.
The shortage of university lecturers, including many young academics, is fueled by several factors. The gradual increase in student intake, the introduction of new courses, the establishment of new faculties, and the expansion of university activities have intensified workloads and stretched resources, prompting many academics to seek opportunities elsewhere, Dr Ilangasinghe noted.
(NA)
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