Breaking News
Shalini
Shalini
May 08 2026
80The Kelaniya University Teachers’ Association (KUTA) has raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of the country’s university system, accusing the University Grants Commission (UGC) of failing to address critical long-standing issues.
The Association cited the suspension of recruitments for vacancies of the permanent cadre, inadequate infrastructure development despite a steady increase in student admissions, and a lack of teaching staff for newly introduced courses as the key concerns.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, the President of KUTA, Prof. Aruna Wanninayake said that though the UGC is well aware of the existing issues, no measures have been taken to counter them. "The recruitment for permanent vacancies are halted as of now. Earlier, the new cadre was appointed as per the retirements and resignations of the positions. Then, it was cut off to 25 per cent and as of now, it is totally halted," he said. "Due to this, even though the UGC encourages us to start new courses, there are no lecturers to conduct these courses". He mentioned there is a course requiring 20 academics, whereas there are only two. According to him, the recruitment of non-academic staff for universities is also hindered. Further, he added that even if the number of students given entrance to universities is increased, the facilities including canteens, study rooms, lecture rooms and so on have not been developed consequently.
He also highlighted the tax disparities of the academics and the Parliamentarians. He said that as per the pay-sheet of an MP, they have realised that higher taxes are being charged from university lecturers.
The concern of the shortage of the lecturers had been raised by the Rajarata University also. Further, the Inter University Students' Federation has been protesting over the lack of facilities in universities despite increased enrollments.
Multiple attempts to contact the UGC Chairperson, Senior Prof. Kapila Seneviratne, proved futile.
Source: The morning
