Opposition calls proposed universities act amendments “undemocratic”

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the government is pushing amendments to the Universities Act in an undemocratic manner.

Raising concerns over the centralization of authority in the higher education sector, Premadasa said the proposed changes, which would shift the election of deans and department heads from university academics to vice chancellors or governing councils, are being advanced without structured consultations with key stakeholders, including academics, university administrators, and unions.

He warned that such centralization could exacerbate existing tensions in the sector.

The Opposition Leader alleged that even before parliamentary approval, the University Grants Commission chairman issued a letter directing vice chancellors to halt appointments of deans and department heads.

Premadasa said the directive lacks legal basis, contradicts established procedures, and violates current law.

“The vice chancellors remain bound by the current law,” Premadasa said, asserting that the government’s approach reflects an erosion of democratic practices and a move toward authoritarian decision-making.

He called on the government to temporarily suspend the amendment process and conduct wide-ranging consultations, noting that reforms should be evidence-based, justifiable, and inclusive, rather than measures that centralize power or reduce stakeholder participation.