Joint statement issued:

Govt, FUTA thank all who helped reach settlement

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The government and the Federation of University Teachers' Association (FUTA) yesterday issued a joint-statement declaring the end of the three month strike by university academics.

The official government - FUTA joint statement was released as a result of negotiations between Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Treasury Secretary Dr P B Jayasundara on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's direction sequel to Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake's request, the joint statement said.

Federation' Secretary Terrance Madujith said yesterday they called off the strike after negotiations with the government.

The government -FUTA joint statement was issued after both parties agreed to secure their commitments, Madujith said.

He said they will resume academic programmes at universities at the earliest possible time.

The university academics will begin marking Advanced Level answer scripts from next week, Madujith said. He said about 400 academics are involved in A-L paper making.

University lecturers and the government expressed gratitude to the Mahanayake Theras, members of the clergy, trade unions, public representatives, university community and civil organisations for persuing a negotiated settlement against FUTA's trade union action.

The government -FUTA joint statement read: "To strengthen the policy of the Mahinda Chinthana Idiri Dakma to make Sri Lanka a hub of knowledge, FUTA's proposal to increase government expenditure on education and other proposals have been approved through a Cabinet paper by the government.

"The Cabinet paper entailed recognising university academics as a district professional category, establishing a special committee to ensure functionality of the same, appointing a special Presidential Committee to deal with reforms relating to Higher Education and matters relating to independence of universities and consulting stakeholders of the university system in higher education reforms.

"It was agreed to hold meetings between university academic staff and Vice Chancellors. A special University Senate meeting is also to be held to provide input with regard to improving an environment in universities that is conducive for quality education." Both parties agreed to put into effect the proposed framework submitted by Dr Jayasundara to address the university academics' salary issues, Madujith said.