It has been planned to give both vaccines to all the members of the Academic and Non- Academic Staff of the Sri Lanka University system to open the universities soon, said Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga. He revealed this information in a Statement to the Government Information Department yesterday (17).

The UGC Chairman further stated that in collaboration with the Health Authorities, a rapid program has been implemented in this regard. Both vaccines have already been given to the Academic and Non-Academic staff members over 30-years in all the universities. He also said that all the university administrations have been informed to take action to coordinate
with the nearest Health Services Centers in each district and vaccine the Academic and Non- Academic staff members below 30 years and the students.

Furthermore, the staff of the University Grants Commission below and over 30 years have already been given both vaccines.  Enrolment to universities for the coming year is currently
in place.  Professor Amaratunga stated that vaccination for the university staff was completed rapidly on special permission as to call the staff for duty is essential.

A monitoring system under the direct supervision of the University Grants Commission to assess the progress of the vaccination on the university staff below 30 and students is in place. Senior professor Amaratunga said that the universities are expected to be opened subsequent to the evaluation of the progress and after the discussion with the Health Authorities, University Vice-Chancellors and other related parties.

Professor Sampath Amaratunga said that although the universities are virtually closed, the typical academic and non-academic activities are continuing hassle-free with the help of modern communication technology systems.

Mohan Samaranayake
Director General of Government Information