University Teachers’ Association opposes postponement of appointments

Colombo, Dec. 23 (Daily Mirror) - The University of Sri Jayewardenepura Teachers’ Association has opposed a decision by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to delay appointments to vacant positions of Heads of Departments and Deans of Faculties.

The Association’s President, Dr. Isuru Manawadu, told the Daily Mirror that the UGC has decided to postpone these appointments until proposed amendments to the Universities Act are approved by Parliament.

He said that Heads of Departments and Deans must be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the existing Universities Act, stressing that ignoring the current law and delaying appointments is adversely affecting both the appointment process and the entire state university system.

However, the UGC stated that at its 1160th meeting held on December 3, 2025, it took note of a Cabinet decision made on June 11, 2025, to publish proposed amendments to the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. These amendments relate to the election of Deans and the appointment of Heads of Departments. The proposed amendments were gazetted and tabled in Parliament on December 3, 2025, for approval.

Dr. Manawadu said that despite this, the UGC Chairman and the Commission had decided to delay the appointments. As a result, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) has requested the UGC to withdraw its decision and proceed with appointments under the existing law.

He warned that appointing only acting Heads of Departments and Deans could create serious problems in university administration and decision-making.