The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) says no solution was reached during discussions with Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya regarding issues affecting the university system.

A discussion between FUTA representatives and Prime Minister Amarasuriya was held yesterday (16) at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya, Battaramulla.

Speaking to the media following the discussion, FUTA President Prof. Ruchika Fernando said the talks focused on several key issues, including the admission of new students, the extended period students spend in universities and the shortage of academic staff.

However, he said no solution had been reached during the discussions.

“Regarding the admission of new students, the time students spend in universities and the shortage of academic staff, we paid greater attention to these issues. But no solution was reached during the discussions,” Prof. Fernando said.

He said FUTA had previously held discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following which the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors had prepared proposals to expedite student admissions.

Prof. Fernando said FUTA had also held discussions with the Prime Minister in April, but was informed during yesterday’s meeting that the relevant proposals had still not reached the Presidential Secretariat.

“We were surprised to learn that the proposals we had been waiting for action on for nearly a year had still not reached the relevant authorities,” he said.

Meanwhile, FUTA Secretary Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Illangasinghe said university academics from different parts of the country had participated in the lengthy discussion, which continued until around 10 p.m., due to the urgency of resolving the crisis.

However, he alleged that the government did not appear to share the same level of urgency in addressing the issues facing the university system.

“The government cannot talk about education because it does not have the necessary interest in it,” he said.

He added that FUTA would decide on its future course of action in response to the situation.