Asgiriya, Malwatte Prelates ready to mediate in university academics’ issue

Asela Kuruluwansa and Tilak Pushpakumara

The Most Venerable Maha Nayakes of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, Most Ven Thibbotuwave Sri Sumangala and Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakitha Maha Nayake Theras expressed their willingness to mediate to solve the issues of university academics, if the academics and the government are ready and willing to reach an agreement.

The Most Venerable Maha Nayake Theras in a statement to the Higher Education Ministry said both parties have to join hands to find a solution.

If such an attempt is going on, the Mahanayaka Theras of the two Chapters will mediate so as to settle the issue which has been dragging on for over three months.

The statement further said the government and part of the academic staff have to take urgent measures to solve this harmful situation between the Higher Education Ministry and university lecturers.

The release said: “Due to this predicament, not only university students, but, also the entire university system has been affected.

“The Mahanayake Theras were involved in solving the disputes of several trade unions in the recent past.

“There should be a sustainable solution since the undergraduates, who have entered universities, have done so with much effort, great dedication and devotion.

“Besides, the students who sit the AL examination have also faced much difficulty since the academics are refraining from paper marking.

“Therefore, the valuable time of students is being wasted.

Both parties have to come to a middle position to solve any issues. Considering the current predicament faced by the students of this country, who are the front-liners of the country’s future, both the academics and the ministry have to bring this problem to a conclusion, as soon as possible.