By Saman Indrajith

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament that the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) protest of 2011-2012, which demanded 6 percent of GDP for education, would not have been successful without the tireless efforts of Dr. Janaki Jayawardena, who tragically passed away in a road accident just a few days ago.

 Speaking during the third reading stage debate on Budget 2025 under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education expenditure heads, the Prime Minister stated that Dr. Janaki Jayawardena sold a piece of her land to raise funds to provide T-shirts to protesting  academics.

 She said: “Today, we are represented by fourteen members who entered Parliament through the university system. However, I would like to take a moment to remember a close colleague of ours, Dr. Janaki Jayawardena, who tragically passed away in a road accident just a few days ago. While my primary reason for mentioning Dr. Jayawardena at the beginning of this speech is to express my deepest condolences, I also want to take this opportunity to recognise her exemplary dedication, integrity, and service. Janaki embodied these ideals, and she remains a model for all of us. Her students had immense love and respect for her, and she was an exceptional colleague who worked tirelessly and inspired us all. Losing such a distinguished academic is a significant loss to our nation, which is why I began my speech by remembering her.

The protest led by FUTA in 2011-2012 marked a significant turning point. It demonstrated that leadership in societal movements can extend beyond addressing professional demands.

The protest was focused on addressing broader issues in education. It was supported by both trade unions and the wider community, who felt deep empathy for the cause. The movement brought together various unions, teachers’ organisations, civil society, and concerned citizens, sending a powerful message that together, we can advocate for and protest in pursuit of a common cause. Dr. Jayawardena was one of the key figures leading this movement. She led quietly, without seeking the spotlight. However, the struggle would not have succeeded without her. You may recall the five-day march from Galle to Colombo, which was part of this movement. University academics wore black and orange T-shirts marked with ‘6%’. We didn’t have enough funds to print these T-shirts, so Dr. Janaki Jayawardena sold a piece of her land to raise the money. That was the kind of person she was—someone willing to sacrifice everything for what she believed in and unafraid to lead. Her absence is deeply felt at this time. We need leaders like her.”