Trade union protest against Ruhuna VC continues
View(s):The University Trade Union Joint Committee warned that other universities will join the strike on Monday (25) if the University of Ruhuna’s Vice Chancellor refuses to resign, but the Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Sujeewa Amarasena has stressed he has no intention of stepping down and denied all allegations against him.
Co-Chairman of the University Trade Union Joint Committee Dhammika S Priyantha said that since assuming the role of Vice Chancellor, he has reportedly exerted considerable pressure on academic staff, non-academic staff, and students. These actions are alleged to be motivated by personal grievances, raising concerns about his leadership approach.
The strike initiated by the academic and non-academic staff, along with students of the University of Ruhuna, since Tuesday evening (19), demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s removal, is still ongoing and he noted that the university’s operations have already been significantly disrupted.
Several students have had their studentships revoked, and many have been prevented from participating in graduation ceremonies. Non-academic staff have also faced unjust penalties, while faculty promotions appear to be driven by favouritism rather than merit. These actions are reportedly supported by the political protection he receives, Mr Priyantha stressed.
He stated that two years ago, the Vice Chancellor appointed an acquaintance as Bursar, who is set to retire this January. During this tenure, significant financial fraud has reportedly occurred with the Vice Chancellor allegedly ignoring the misconduct. They urge the government to remove the Vice Chancellor and conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
Senior Prof Charudaththa Ilangasinghe, Secretary of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA), said the strike will continue until the Vice Chancellor is removed from office, emphasising that FUTA, along with 50 university unions across the country, fully supports the protest.
The Prime Minister has initiated discussions on the matter. Despite the discussions, the trade unions voiced their dissatisfaction with the outcome and vowed to continue their strike until their demands are addressed.
IUSF Convener Madushan Chandrajith said that the federation held a satyagraha outside the Ministry of Education, demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor. After a meeting with the ministry officials, they were assured the issue would be reviewed, but no clear timeline was provided for resolution. The protesters remain hopeful for a positive outcome and call for an independent investigation into the Vice Chancellor’s actions following his removal.
However, Vice Chancellor Amarasena denied all allegations levelled at him. Despite calls for his resignation based on what he describes as false accusations, he said he has no intention of stepping down.
He suggested that a presidential committee is necessary to uncover the truth. He said he avoids politics in his role, has made no politically influenced appointments, and has upheld equality throughout his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
Addressing the issue on the Bursar’s appointment, he clarified that the vacancy was advertised, and a panel made the final decision independently.
Regarding allegations of promotions for certain academics, he stated that UoR uses software to detect fake journal publications and opposes promoting anyone who applies with such publications.
He also noted that there is widespread corruption within UoR, which has persisted for a long time, and that it deserves attention beyond the allegations against him.
(NA)
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