Qualified persons sans political connections should head Education Institutes: FUTA
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations ( FUTA) has urged the Government to appoint persons with suitable academic background, and without political connections, for positions in Educational institutions, to ensure they provide better service to the country.
FUTA’s immediate past President, Chandraguptha Thenuwara told Education Times that they had already called upon University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairperson, Prof Kshanika Hirimburegama to step down, claiming she misused her powers.
On Friday, the Higher Education Ministry decided to reconstitute the UGC Board with immediate effect, said Ministry Secretary, Piyasena Ranepura.
He said that, accordingly, letters have been sent on Friday, to UGC Board members including its Chairperson Prof Hirimburegama, to step down from office, enabling the new appointments.
He said University Councils too will be reconstituted, along with heads of Higher Education institutes.
However, Vice Chancellors (VC) and the Deputy VCs will not be changed immediately.
Prof Hirimburegama denied allegations saying persons who make these claims are those involved in politics.
She said that, whether she holds office or not, she will continue to serve the people of the country.
“The people who make these allegations are known to sling mud at others and try to gain benefits. I have not been involved in any frauds and acted under the law. I wish to tell those people to prove the allegations they make.”
The FUTA, in its letter to Prof Hirimburegama, had made a string of charges. These include campaigning for a Presidential candidate, misusing her position and authority as Chair of the UGC, and using her position to influence university academics to sign a petition in favour of Presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa, and publicly campaigning on his behalf.
Ignoring instances of clear conflict of interests such as accepting positions to the Boards of various private Higher Education institutions, blocking the appointment of a qualified and deserving candidate to the post of Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, during her tenure as VC of Colombo University, and selection of a student to Ruhuna University, violating all established procedures, based on a letter provided by MP Namal Rajapaksa, are among the allegations.
Furthermore, ignoring serious allegations of malpractice at several universities, including the Eastern University and Jaffna University, which were brought to her notice on several occasions, are also among other issues raised. (DW)