Union action being sabotaged - UNP

13 May 2011 08:45 am Views - 3282

By Yohan Perera

The main opposition UNP today alleged that the government is trying to sabotage the union action currently carried out by the University academics.

UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told a press conference today that the deans of the faculties have been asked to neutralize the union action. Mr. Kariyawasam therefore said the government is trying to make things complicated and blame it on the opposition.

“Government should call the academics for a discussion and sort out things instead, “he said. The UNP MP said the government should understand the importance of university lecturers as they are the people who educate and train others for employment in various sectors that are necessary for the country’s development.

Mr. Kariyawasam who charged that the entertainment allowance of the board directors of state corporations have been increased from Rs 1000 to Rs 10,000 whereas the dons are given an entertainment allowance of Rs 300. “These are the rates which were fixed for the dons in 1970s, “he pointed out.

He alleged that several facilities which the dons have enjoyed had been taken away. These he said includes the school admission quota which their children enjoyed while the opportunity they had to import duty free vehicles have also been reduced.  “Lecturers are now given a permit only once in 12 years, “he said.

“This is nothing but victimization, “the UNP MP said the rights of the academics were suppressed in this manner.