Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
University of Peradeniya loses 100 academics in two and a half years
The University of Peradeniya has experienced significant staff attrition, with approximately 100 of its 800 academic personnel departing over the past two and a half years. The exodus was highlighted by university academics during parliamentary scrutiny of higher education institutions.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
An estimated 100 academic staff members have departed from the University of Peradeniya in the past 30 months, representing a notable loss of teaching talent from the institution, according to statements made before lawmakers. The scale of the departures was disclosed during a Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) session in August, drawing attention to workforce challenges facing the university.
The University of Peradeniya, one of Sri Lanka's premier higher education institutions, maintains an academic staff complement of approximately 800 personnel. The loss of one in eight academics over such a relatively short timeframe raises questions about retention factors and conditions affecting faculty members at the institution.
The disclosure of the staffing figures reflects broader concerns within Sri Lanka's university sector regarding employee retention and institutional stability. Academic departures can impact research output, teaching quality, and the overall capacity of universities to fulfill their educational mandates.
The matter has drawn parliamentary attention as lawmakers examine governance and operational issues affecting the country's public universities. The circumstances prompting the academic staff departures have not been fully detailed, though such movements typically reflect concerns about remuneration, working conditions, or career advancement opportunities within the institution.