All academic and non-academic trade unions affiliated with the University of Ruhuna have announced a continuous strike commencing from tomorrow (Nov. 19), demanding the immediate removal of the university’s Vice Chancellor.

The relevant trade unions mentioned that their strike action will be in effect until their single demand to immediately remove the Vice Chancellor is met.

Accordingly, the Ruhuna University Science Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Agriculture Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Engineering Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna Management and Finance Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Fisheries Faculty Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Faculty of Technology Teachers’ Association, Ruhuna University Humanities and Social Sciences Teachers’ Union, CUTTA, Inter University Service, UTTUSL, UIOU, Library Podu Sewaka Sangamaya, Sri Lanka Nidhahas Sewaka Sangamaya, SLUTOU, Jathika Sewaka Sangamaya, Widhyagara Sahayaka Sangamaya and the Samagi Sewaka Sangamaya will join the continuous trade union action, a joint statement said.

In a letter to the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, the trade unions said: “Throughout the last five years, we have persistently articulated our concerns and pursued resolutions to significant matters impacting the university community. Nonetheless, your inability to respond to these persistent issues has compelled us to insist on immediate measures.”

Furthermore, they stressed that the university is unable to continue accepting the detrimental effects of poor management and the adverse consequences the Vice Chancellor’s leadership has inflicted on its operations, morale, and overall advancement.

“To mitigate additional disturbances and maintain the integrity of the institution, we assert that you still possess the opportunity for a dignified resignation. This would represent a positive advancement for the university, enabling it to recover and prosper under capable and effective leadership”, the letter added.