University of Ruhuna Strike Ends Following Vice-Chancellor’s Dismissal
The ongoing strike at the University of Ruhuna, which began on November 19, 2024, has officially come to an end following the dismissal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena.
The strike action united students, academic staff, and non-academic unions, all demanding the removal of Prof. Amarasena. The appointment of Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Ratnayake as the Competent Authority to oversee the university’s administrative operations, effective November 25, 2024, brought resolution to the crisis.
Kelum Gamage, the president of the university’s Clerical and Technical Services Union, confirmed that union representatives have been directed to report for duty as usual from 7:00 a.m. today.
The decision to replace the Vice-Chancellor was gazetted by Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who acted under the powers vested in her by the Universities Act. This development aims to restore normalcy at the University of Ruhuna, ensuring the smooth functioning of academic and administrative activities.
