The Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA) urged the Government to hold extensive stakeholder discussions regarding the proposed National Higher Education Development Commission Bill which aims to make crucial changes to the country’s higher education system.

When contacted by The Daily Morning on 24 March, the FUTA media spokesperson, Senior Lecturer Charudaththe Ilangasinghe said that they have not been consulted by the Government regarding the said Bill, which is reportedly to be tabled to the Parliament shortly, even though they participated in discussions at its preliminary stage. Ilangasinghe noted that the FUTA raised certain concerns with President Ranil Wickremesinghe earlier, including its objection regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) being replaced by the proposed National Higher Education Development Commission. 

He also claimed that such a move could be unfavourable to the country’s free education system. He noted that the FUTA does not have a clear picture regarding the content of the Bill as it was not consulted at any stage of the discussions. Stating that the FUTA is currently observing the situation closely, Ilangasinghe said that the FUTA will reach a final decision regarding the Bill. He also said that the FUTA will not accept the replacement of the UGC on any grounds unless it is carried out following extensive stakeholder discussions.

According to media reports which quoted the State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan, the proposed Bill to establish the National Higher Education Development Commission replacing the UGC will be submitted to the Parliament shortly. According to the reports, the Commission will have four branches, with one of them overseeing State funded universities, and another overseeing 26 non-State universities, including the new applications pending in this regard.