Deterrent measures to ensure universities function smoothly

Deterrent measures should be taken to ensure that the universities continue their academic programmes and other activities without any disturbance.

This was a unanimous view of a special meeting which convened on August 14 at the Presidential Secretariat under the chairmanship of Minister of Higher Education Prof. W. A. Wiswa Warnapala, to discuss the deteriorating student discipline in the University sector where the IGP, relevant DIGs, Higher Education Ministry Secretary, Chairman UGC, 14 Vice Chancellors, Mahopadyayas of the 2 Buddhist Universities and also Directors of Institute of Indigenous Medicine and Gampaha Wickramaarachchi Ayruveda Institute attended.

It was the first time the top level academics and officials of the higher education sector under the chairmanship of the Higher Education Minister met with the IGP and other senior police personnel to discuss the security concerns in the universities.

The existing situation in the universities and its adverse effects on the higher education sector was discussed at length. It was agreed at the meeting that all higher educational institutions should ensure that the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998 is strictly implemented.

It was also highlighted at the meeting that the Police can enter any higher educational institution as in the case of any other institution in the country for establishing law and order when and where that is required.

It was further stressed that the belief of some sections of the public that the Police cannot enter the higher educational institutions to maintain law and order, is a misconception.

The IGP expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Vice Chancellors and other Heads of Institutions to maintain peace and prevent possible security threats to these institutions.