by Saman Indrajith
As a part of the routine changes being implemented by the newly formed government, the University Grants Commission (UGC) would be re-constituted within next couple of weeks, university sources said yesterday.

Names of members to the proposed commission were not immediately available, but university sources confirmed the reconstitution within three weeks and said a couple of members from the present UGC will also be re-appointed.

"The present staff to the commission was appointed earlier this year until March 18, 2006. But, owing to high pressure from new powerful blocks in the university field, top level authorities are compelled to make the changes," a senior university source said.

The former commission was dissolved by the President Chandrika Kumaratunga on March 19, this year. And she appointed Prof. B. R. R. N. Mendis as the Chairman of the UGC and six other members. A seven member group of eminent university dons are appointed by the President for the UGC for five year term of service to achieve the objects of planning and co-ordination of university education; controlling expenditure by higher educational institutes including universities; regulating of academic and administration and admission of students to universities.

The UGC had proposed a new procedure of admission of students to the university system, but the former Cabinet could not approve that proposal and it is most unlikely that the newly formed Cabinet would approve that, sources said.

Minister of Human Resource Development, Education & Cultural Affairs, Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku when contacted yesterday said that he has not been informed about a decision to reconstitute the UGC. "I am waiting for the gazette notification to clarify whether the issues pertaining to the UGC comes under my ministry portfolio. I cannot comment till the gazette is out," he said.