University dons' service vital for national development - President

Rohan MATHES

President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed the importance of obtaining the valued services of the University Academics in the development of the national economy.

At a meeting with University Lecturers' Unions at Temple Trees yesterday, President Rajapaksa pointed out the importance of obtaining the knowledge and advice of the academics in formulating national policies, especially in national economic development.

The formulation of the university education curriculum in line with the country's economic development needs, funds for research and development needs of the lecturers, formulation of professional ethics, were discussed at length at the meeting.

President Rajapaksa directed the officials to take measures to provide funds based on the Salaries Commission, for research and development of the academics, which facilitates national economic development.

He pointed out the implications of retaining the academics sans a 'brain drain' due to remuneration based reasons, and directed officials to take prompt remedial action in professional matters.

He directed University Grants Commission officials to establish a separate unit to arrange and facilitate post-graduate education in foreign universities, for university lecturers.

He also directed officials to establish a housing scheme with all facilities, to streamline the present pension scheme for university lecturers and to provide them transport facilities.

University Lecturers' Association Chairman Sampath Amaratunga commended the President's direct intervention in seeking solutions for their professional problems for which doors had been kept open consistently.

The lecturers pledged their fullest support for formulating a new education system required for the country.

Higher Education Minister Prof Wishwa Warnapala, President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr.P.B. Jayasundera, University Grants Commission Chairman Dr. Gamini Samaranayake, Presidential Advisor Dr. S. Epasinghe and University Lecturers' Association members participated.