President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) this morning (20) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss key issues affecting Sri Lanka’s higher education sector.
During the meeting, FUTA representatives raised concerns over delays in completing degree programmes, challenges faced by academics, and disruptions within the university system over recent years.
The President directed FUTA to prepare a plan to accelerate the completion of pending degree programmes while maintaining academic standards. He assured that the government would provide the necessary support to implement the plan and strengthen research and development activities within universities.
Discussions also focused on measures to enhance the quality of higher education and address challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified academic staff.
Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, and Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando also attended the meeting.
FUTA’s delegation was led by its Chairman, Professor P.R. Weeratunga, and Secretary, Charudaththa Ilangasinghe.