Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka Appointed as Competent Authority for University of Ruhuna Amid Ongoing Strike
The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, issued an Extraordinary Gazette on today, November 24, 2024, appointing Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka as the Competent Authority for the University of Ruhuna. This decision was made under the powers vested in the Minister by Section 20(4)(b) of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, effective from November 25, 2024.
The appointment comes in the wake of severe disruptions at the University of Ruhuna caused by an ongoing strike. The strike, led by all-academic and non-academic trade unions and supported by student unions, demands the immediate resignation of the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena. The strike has been active since Tuesday, November 18, 2024.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a high-level meeting with the University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) on November 18, 2024. Despite discussions, the UTUJC expressed concerns but remained hopeful after Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya assured them of an immediate resolution to address their demands while Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, the current Vice Chancellor, has denied all allegations and stated his refusal to resign.
The Gazette indicates that the Minister’s decision aims to restore normalcy and address the administrative challenges faced by the University of Ruhuna.
Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka will now perform the duties of the Vice Chancellor, exercising all powers and responsibilities associated with the position to stabilize the university’s operations.
You can read the relevant the gazette below.
