Colombo University VC’s chair still vacant
The government yesterday yet again claimed the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo would be made ‘soon’. Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne said it was up to the President to make the appointment to the post, now that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has submitted the names of the candidates to him.
Dr. Nawaratne added he believed the appointment would be made soon now that the recommendations were with the President.
When contacted regarding the issue, President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said he had ‘no idea’ why the appointment had not been made thus far.
While the non-appointment of the VC would not hinder day-to-day activities of the university as it had an acting VC who was looking after affairs, Dr. Dewasiri pointed out the continued delay in making a permanent appointment reflects badly on the university.
When contacted regarding the issue, President of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri said he had ‘no idea’ why the appointment had not been made thus far.
While the non-appointment of the VC would not hinder day-to-day activities of the university as it had an acting VC who was looking after affairs, Dr. Dewasiri pointed out the continued delay in making a permanent appointment reflects badly on the university.
He claimed only one of the three candidates whose names have been submitted was qualified to be Vice Chancellor based on qualifications listed out in the advertisement for the post. “We hope the President would make the correct decision and have already written to him urging him to appoint the most qualified person for the post”, he stressed.
The appointment to the post was expected to be made before the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. However, it has repeatedly been delayed due to the controversy surrounding the nominees.
Three members of the University Council, Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake, Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa and Dr Kumara Hirimburegama applied for the post. All three names were forwarded to the President by the UGC.
Questions of conflict-of-interest have been raised since one of the applicants; Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama is the spouse of the current Chairperson of the UGC, Prof. Kshanika Hirmburegama.
Three members of the University Council, Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake, Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa and Dr Kumara Hirimburegama applied for the post. All three names were forwarded to the President by the UGC.
Questions of conflict-of-interest have been raised since one of the applicants; Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama is the spouse of the current Chairperson of the UGC, Prof. Kshanika Hirmburegama.
Category: Local
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