Ninth Deyata Kirula venue:

VC extols benefits

by Priyan de Silva, Matara Sports Cor. and Dhammika Welegoda

"Proposing the university as a suitable venue for the ninth Deyata Kirula exhibition was a collective decision made by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Deans of all the faculties at Wellamadama, heads of departments in consultation with trade union leaders and students, Developing facilities at the University is our only objective and not to for political gains as alleged said the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, Prof. Gamini Senanayake at a media briefing held at the Senate Room recently. The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Deans and departmental heads and leaders of trade unions within the Univesity of Ruhuna were also present.

We are jubilant that the Wellamadama complex of the University was found to be the ideal location for the ninth Deyata Kirula exhibition and the Mapalana complex as the alternative venue. Students raised two issues during discussions. The first was the harm done to the environment and the other was the disruption of academic sessions and delay in conferring first degrees. In our proposal we emphasised that development should take place with minimal change and harm to the environment within the university premises and also that the architectural design of the university should be safeguarded. We will monitor the progress at all times.

On the second issue the Deans, departmental heads and academic staff have drawn a schedule to conduct additional lectures during the vacations and the conferring of degrees will also take place as scheduled.

The development which will take place will be more than what can be achieved in twenty years with the normal allocation of funds the university receives.