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VC to meet residents before varsity opening

by Manjula Fernando

The Vice Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardhanapura University Dr. D.S. Epitawatte will meet residents in the neighbourhood today with the aim of preparing a smooth passage for the re-opening of the university.

"I do not expect a hostile reception by the residents to the re-opening. But the meeting fixed for 4.00pm today will give us an opportunity to know each others' views better and clear any misunderstanding," he said. Dr. Epitawatte said residents and community leaders, on many occasions, have assured him their cooperation.

The university has been closed since the attack on Samantha Vithanage, a third year management undergraduate and five of his friends by a mob of pro-ragging students on November 7. Samantha who was a resident of Gangodawila died two days later at the National Hospital.

The Vice Chancellor has also called a meeting of Faculty Heads at 1.00 pm today. There was a progress review meeting yesterday but no major decisions were taken.

Dr. Epitawatte said: "We need immediate funds to make certain infrastructural adjustments before the re-opening. The collapsed parapet wall surrounding the university should be repaired. The relocation of male students in the hostel next to the campus should also be completed. This in particular, is one of the main concerns the residents and others have raised to prevent unfortunate incidents in the future."

He said the initial cost would be at least Rs.11 million. Tertiary Education and Training Minister Kabeer Hasheem has promised to release Treasury funds.

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