Ministry unaware of students' demands - Ministry Secy

Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake would not meet students who make demands by protesting without first attempting to resolve the demands through other means, Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said.

Referring to the protest held opposite the University Grants Commission on Wednesday by Sri Jayawardenepura University students, he said that the ministry was not aware of their demands until yesterday. He acknowledged that the students had informed the UGC of their demands in a letter, but the issues had not been brought to the ministry's attention until yesterday. The Secretary said that it was a tradition for the old batch of students to pass on their agitation skills to the new students. Academic activities in universities began at the same time for the first time after many years, which itself was an achievement. Navaratne said that one must not confuse severe disciplinary action against errant students has mismanagement.

Answering questions from the media, the Secretary said that credible allegations made against any university staff member would be investigated and action taken.

The Secretary encouraged student bodies to write to the ministry directly or make a simple phone call regarding any serious issues they faced.