Prof. Rathnayake appointed competent authority for Ruhuna University
An extraordinary Gazette notification has appointed Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayake as the competent authority of the University of Ruhuna, effective Nov. 25, 2024.
The decision was made by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, citing a serious disruption of university administration and failure to restore normalcy.
The appointment grants Prof. Rathnayake all powers and duties of the Vice Chancellor under the Universities Act and related regulations.
The move follows a continuous strike by Ruhuna University’s academic and non-academic trade unions since Nov. 19, demanding the removal of the current Vice Chancellor, Senior Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena. Protests led by the Inter-University Students Federation have also intensified.
Prof. Amarasena has denied the allegations and stated he will not resign despite mounting pressure.