SJB slams FUTA as govt. warns of extremist hand in ongoing strike

MP Kaviratne alleges striking Uni lectures serving private institutions

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Education Minister Susil Premjayantha has alleged that extremist elements are seeking to exploit the student community by delaying the evaluation of the answer scripts of the 2022 GCE A/L examination.

Referring to a State Intelligence report, Minister Premjayantha urged the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) to give up strike.

The Minister said that the answer evaluation process couldn’t begin without the participation of FUTA members.

The Minister said so yesterday (18) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Vocational Training Authority (VTA) and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) at the Bureau office, in Battaramulla,

The Education Minister issued the warning in the wake of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) condemning FUTA for demanding special tax concessions, though the grouping’s right to oppose the new tax formula couldn’t be challenged. Issuing a hard-hitting statement, on behalf of the SJB, Matale District MP Rohini Kaviratne asked how FUTA could take the student community hostage.

The former UNP MP found fault with the government for failing to make an efficient intervention in this regard.

Kaviratne asked how FUTA could demand its members be given tax exceptions. She alleged some of those who had resorted to trade union action, in State Universities, three months back had jeopardised the future of 1.2 mn students while teaching in private institutions.