By Lakna Paranamanna
Students belonging to the Geomatic Faculty of the Sabaragamuwa University vowed to fight for their rights if the shortcomings in the Geomatic Faculty were remained unanswered.
Sabaragamuwa University Students Union President Dhanushka Ruwan Dissanayake said for the past four years the students belonged to the Geomatic Faculty had been continuing their studies under minimal facilities.
“The studies cannot be continued further due to shortage of facilities,” he added.
According to Mr. Dissanayake Geomatics course requires a lot of laboratory as well as IT facilities. “But we have not been provided with laboratory facilities,” he said.
A total number of 180 students belonging to four batches were following the Geomatics course. “There are only three classrooms for the entire faculty. Therefore, one batch of students constantly has to remain outside due to the non-availabilty of a classroom,” he pointed out.
He asserted the students have been demanding proper infrastructure facilities for the past four years but a clear response had not been provided by any authority.
According to Dissanayake, on March 4, 2009 the Cabinet had agreed on mutual principles that the Geomatic Faculty should be provided with a building.
“Even though the agreement was made, the approval for the construction has not been provided still,” he added.
Displaying their objection regarding the authorities’ reckless attitude on the matter, the students had conducted a token absenteeism on March 4, 2010.
Meanwhile, Sabaragamuwa University Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahinda Rupasinghe accepted the fact that the Geomatic Faculty was facing several infrastructure deficiencies.
“The students do not have a Physics lab which is true. Also, since Geomatics is a unique programme, there is also a shortage of staff. But we are on the process of clearing the backlog,” he said.
However, he said the plan for the construction of a new building has been completed and they were awaiting the approval of the relevant authorities to proceed.
“Obtaining approval was delayed. But I can assure that we will be proceeding with the work as soon as possible,” he added.
