FUTA Launches Continuous Protest Campaign Amid Academic Staff Exodus
Lecturers from state universities in Sri Lanka have initiated a silent protest during lunch breaks, demanding immediate and permanent solutions to long-standing issues plaguing the academic sector. This action, orchestrated by the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), comes as alarm bells sound over an alarming exodus of faculty from the state university system, with nearly 1,000 teachers leaving in recent years.
Staff Shortages Impacting Education Quality
FUTA Secretary, Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Illangasinghe, highlighted the discrepancy between rising student admissions and the dwindling number of lecturers. In 2015, the system catered to around 25,000 students, but current admissions have surged to approximately 45,000. Meanwhile, the faculty workforce has shrunk considerably; from 5,800 lecturers in 2015, as many as 1,000 have departed the system, exacerbating already strained academic conditions. “The collapse of the system would mean the collapse of the country’s future,” Illangasinghe stated, warning of impending trade union actions if demands remain unmet.
Looming Crisis in Higher Education
Despite attempts at dialogue with the government, including discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, minimal progress has been observed. Illangasinghe reiterated that their proposals aimed at resolving these issues have not seen any implementation. Notably, even as vacancies exist, many potential candidates are unwilling to apply due to the unattractive conditions and overwhelming workloads faced by remaining faculty.
Preparations for Escalated Actions
According to FUTA Assistant Secretary, Prof. Aruna Wanninayake, the ramifications of faculty shortages extend beyond staff morale—the quality of education itself is at stake. Universities are currently operating under maximum capacity, facing inadequate facilities including lecture halls, hostels, and common areas. “We have been demanding discussions with the Higher Education Ministry because there are not enough facilities, and lecturers are increasingly leaving for opportunities abroad,” he stated.
In response to the government’s inaction, FUTA has declared intentions to implement a full-day token strike on September 9 if their demands are unmet. “Our silent protest on September 2 served as a warning,” Wanninayake added. “If the Government fails to mediate, the full-day symbolic strike will highlight just how seriously we take this crisis.”
A Call to Action
As the future of higher education in Sri Lanka hangs by a thread, the need for governmental intervention to address these systemic issues is more pressing than ever. The academic community is at a breaking point, and with the deteriorating state of facilities and faculty, the time for action is now. Without immediate remedial measures, the consequences will be felt not just within the walls of academia but across the broader fabric of the nation.