Academics at the University of Jaffna have accused the government of trying to destroy the country’s free education system.
The Jaffna University Academics (JUA) said at a press conference about their industrial action,
"Unbeknownst to the public, this government is going to change the face of free education. There will come a day when education in schools as well as at university will have to be paid for. It is with the purpose off deterring this that university lecturers continue to strike.
By allowing the establishment of private universities, the government is aiming to reduce the quality and impair the operation of those universities under the University Grants Commission.
The government has not made any attempt to discuss, consult with or hear the opinions of lecturers regarding the creation of private universities.
[The government] is on the way to creating a state where instead of earning qualifications through academic ability, students will be paying for degrees.
The main victims of this move will be poor students and those from rural areas.
We are therefore fighting to protect free education which we believe will transform our future generations into progressive and innovative communities".
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