'Promises made to academics will be fulfilled'

Ridma Dissanayake

Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr.Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne said the government has already made arrangements to fulfill the promises which have been given to the university academic staff, at the end of their trade union action.

"Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) Chairman Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri had recently said the government has not taken any measures to fulfill their promises. But that statement which had been given to several media is totally false. The Higher Education Ministry have taken all measures to fulfill those promises on behalf of the government", he said.

"We have sought an appointment from the FUTA to discuss their demands and received dates for October 24 and 26. But due to the tight schedule of the FUTA Chairman, it has been postponed to November 1. Both parties have agreed to hold discussions on Thursday. In such a situation saying the government has not taken any step to fulfill their promises is not fair", the Secretary further explained.