FUTA accused of engaging in ‘terrorism, ‘pursuing destructive strategy

Over million students’ victimised, mental trauma immeasurable

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Dissident SLPP MP Gevindu Cumaratunga yesterday (23) questioned whether University teachers’ refusal to evaluate the answer scripts of GCE A/L examination was meant to ruin the free education.

The SLPP MP, who now functions as an independent MP, asked whether University teachers served the interests of a sinister group bent on diluting public faith in the education system.

Addressing the media at the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi Mandiraya, the leader of the Yuthukma civil society group MP Cumaratunga accused University teachers of being engaged in terrorism. Those who disrupted evaluation of answer scripts were terrorists as they pursued an agenda at the expense of the entire student community, lawmaker Cumaratunga said.

Referring to teachers’ strike during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency, MP Cumaratunga said that teachers and members of FUTA (Federation of University Teachers Association) seemed to be determined to cause maximum possible harm.

The MP emphasized that those who sat the GCE Advanced Level examination, in February this year, were originally to do so in August, the previous year. Having sat for the examination six months late, now they experienced a further delay due to University teachers’ actions, MP Cumaratunga said.

FUTA should be ashamed for harming the lives of the student community, demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor of the Ruhuna University, air tickets, relief in the payment of loans, exempting research grants from PAYE et al, MP Cumaratunga said.

Responding to a query, the outspoken MP explained how those who waged a high profile campaign for a system change contributed to clandestine overall political strategy meant to destroy free education, health services, etc.

MP Cumaratunga pointed out how the teachers and FUTA members should realize that they couldn’t expect special status as the country faced severe economic difficulties. Their demands couldn’t be justified, under any circumstances, the MP said, urging them to meet their obligations without further delay.