Students can't be given admn powers - Prof Hennanayake

Disna MUDALIGE

Ragging and other forms of disruptive activities by student unions in universities in their bid to usurp administrative powers should not be allowed, said Peradeniya University Geography Department Head Prof Shantha K Hennanayake.

Addressing a press conference at the University Grants Commission yesterday, he said that student unions should be entirely responsible for ragging and unruly acts at the Peradeniya University.

He said that anti- raggers and English medium students are deprived of the right to use the hostel, library, canteen, arts theatre, gymnasium and swimming pool and not allowed to pose for the batch photo.

Prof Hennanayake observed that universities should have the freedom for students to engage in politics.

However, this involvement would only be meaningful when knowledge, intelligence and logic are well combined to suit the status of a university. He said that this quality could not be seen in present day student movements.

Prof Hennanayake said that he was recently attacked by the Arts faculty student union leader for conducting lectures despite the token strike of the student union adding that his private vehicle parked opposite the department was also damaged by the students involved in this aggressive behaviour.

He said that following his complaint to the Vice Chancellor, a class suspension had been imposed on the student who attacked him.

Prof Hennanayake noted that the JVP radical group is behind these unruly acts. He observed that a proper investigation should be conducted on how the funds of the student unions operate and it should be made compulsory for them to submit audit reports to the university administration since it is evident that external forces maintain contacts with them.

He said that it is seen that the majority of lecturers are reluctant to come out and raise their voice against ragging.