The University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to fill vacancies in universities by taking a count of the shortfall of lecturers to ensure academic activities continue without interruption. Plans have been discussed with Education Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya. New UGC Chairman Kapila Seneviratne told Education Times they plan to have a database on the immediate requirement of academic staff in universities and seek approval to fill vacancies. Under the system, instead of universities filling vacancies on their own, the UGC hopes to get approval for filling vacancies at the same time.

According to initial estimates, there is a shortage of about 2,500 lecturers, though the requirement may be higher, he said. Vacancies have been created due to retirements, persons travelling overseas for educational purposes some of them not returning, and due to deaths. Education Times learns that more than 300 lecturers are yet to return to the country. The opening of new faculties and the introduction of new courses are also reasons for the shortage of lecturers. At least four new medical faculties have been opened in recent years. (DWI)