AKD, Harini clash over UGC Chairman appointment?

• According to information from the Prime Minister’s office, a decision was made to retain the former UGC Chairman

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   
A clear difference in decision was reported between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the appointment of the new University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman.   

According to information from the Prime Minister’s office, a decision was made to retain the former UGC Chairman Professor Sampath Amaratunga in his position after discussions with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, following the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake   
The former UGC Chairman was in South Korea for two days on an official visit before his resignation, where he secured a grant from the Korean government to support higher education in Sri Lanka. Upon returning to Sri Lanka, he met with the Prime Minister and outlined his future vision for the country’s higher education sector.   

However, the Daily Mirror learns that some lower-level unions within the UGC opposed the changes and developments introduced by the former chairman. These unions, which had previously benefitted from the existing system, expressed dissatisfaction as their benefits were affected.   
Then in a sudden turn of events, the President’s office announced the immediate resignation of the former chairman, although the reasons for his removal remain unclear.   
A day after Prime Minister Amarasuriya said Professor Sampath could continue in his position, the President’s office requested the former UGC Chairman to resign from his post with immediate effect.   
Several attempts to contact Minister Vijitha Herath regarding the UGC chairmanship issue was unsuccessful.   
On October 18, Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne was appointed as the new Chairman of the University Grants Commission, following the resignation of Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga from the position.