UGC asked to draft laws against improper use of doctorate, professor titles

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has informed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to present the legal changes required to take action against the improper usage of titles like doctors and professors, the Parliament Media Unit said.

The Committee focused special attention on the improper use of doctorate and professor titles by certain individuals from various institutions.

This was revealed during a COPE meeting held in the Parliament complex recently where the UGC had been summoned to discuss several issues related to the university system and higher education in Sri Lanka.

UGC Chairman Prof Sampath Amaratunga said there is no legal provision for the commission to take action against the improper use of the doctorate and professor titles.

The Committee emphasized that the Commission should intervene in this matter as the positions of Doctors and Professors are being undermined and was informed to present the legal changes required within a month to take action against the improper use of such titles. (Ajith Siriwardana)