Govt-FUTA discussions:

Presidential commission for education reforms proposed

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA

The Cabinet Paper prepared during last week's discussions between the Government and the Federation of University Teachers' Association (FUTA), proposes a special Presidential Commission to recommend higher education sector reforms and independence of Universities.

Proposals in the Cabinet Paper emphasise on elevating the level of higher education in the country. The FUTA, Vice Chancellors and the University Grants Commission reached an agreement to work in unison to safeguard academic freedom and independence of universities, during the discussions held with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, according to the statement issued by the Ministry.

The Economic Development Minister intervened in the discussions, as directed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The new Cabinet Paper also proposes to consider the University academic staff as a special professional unit and raises the need to set up a special committee for this purpose. The Cabinet also recommends obtaining the assistance of faculty boards, the Senate.

The Ministry statement also says that the Government and FUTA agreed to implement the written agreement that was set up following the discussions between the Secretary to the Finance Ministry and FUTA on October 9.