Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan
University Teachers Union, Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) and various other associations had protested against the appointment of Chancellor without qualifications at the University of Colombo (vide attachments). Unfortunately the Universities Act stated “The President shall nominate the Chancellor of each University. The Chancellor shall be the Head of the University, hold office for a period of five years reckoned from the date of his nomination, and shall, preside at any Convocation of the University.” and allows anybody without qualifications to hold the post of Chancellor (1). For example if we take the Ruhunu University established in 1978 the names of the Chancellors are listed as follows (2):
Ven. Paravahera Pannaseeha Mahanayaka Thero
Ven. Aththudawe Sri Rahula Mahanayake Thero
Ven. Athi pujya Rajakiya Panditha Pallaththara Sri Sumanajothi Thero
Ven. Dr. Akuratiye Nanda Thero (Current Chancellor)
Apparently except the current Chancellor of Ruhunu University, others were not qualified and when the politicians appointed unqualified persons as university chancellors, neither the University Teachers nor the GMOA were protesting because they were mixing religion with academic excellence. What we need is a University free from the influence of politicians and religious bigotry. Still the University Teachers Associations and GMOA are not ready for that and are not demanding an amendment to the Universities Act. They just protested against the appointment of a single individual but wanted to continue their politics without antagonizing the power of the President to appoint another person without qualifications. We all are aware that the same Universities including Universities of Colombo and Jaffna and the members of the University Teachers Union who are now protesting, had supported Honorary Doctorates awarded to politicians and religious persons without any qualifications in the past. If the university teachers and GMOA are really keen in appointing qualified persons to the post of Chancellors, let them stop the hypocrisy of protesting against a single appointment but instead demand that the Universities Act be amended so that no other persons without proper qualifications get appointed as Chancellors in future. That will be the honest way to achieve the rightful demand that a highly qualified prestigious person get appointed as Chancellor and standing at the head table with glory during the convocation.
References
1. https://www.ugc.ac.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31&Itemid=195&lang=en
2. https://www.ruh.ac.lk/index.php/about/university-history
*Dr Murali Vallipuranathan – MBBS (Jaffna), PGD (Population Studies), MSc (Colombo), MD (Community Medicine), FCCP (SL), FRSPH (UK), Board Certified Specialist Community Physician, Visiting Lecturer, Universities of Jaffna & Colombo
Ajith / November 17, 2021
Buddhism has a special status in the constitution. Rajapaksas has a special status in the constitution. Therefore appointment of Buddhist Monks to Universities whether they are qualified or not is constitutionally acceptable to the Sinhalese people. The next chancellor to the Jaffna University or Eastern University may be Gnanasara Thero, Who knows? All this highlights that the Tamils and Muslims should have their own independent nation if they want to have a qualified person as chancellor.
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Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam / November 18, 2021
Buddha correctly said that Thanhawa (greed) is the cause of all problems. Gota has capitalized on Thanhawa of this Buddhist priest to appoint him to this position for which he is unqualified, to keep his mouth shut, as he was becoming a nuisance to the government. Since he had been in the company of nurses for nearly fifty years, he could be appointed to nursing college.
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Eagle Eye / November 18, 2021
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Eagle Eye / November 19, 2021
Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam,
“Thanhawa of this Buddhist priest…”
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How about ‘Thanhawa’ (Greed) of Tamil politicians in the North to grab Sinhala land to create a separate State.
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Good Sense / November 18, 2021
Whatever said and done, the Constitution of Sri Lanka is the most important legal document for us, the Sri Lankans. I take liberty to quote Article 9 of the Constitution as follows: “The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14 (1) (e)”. It is clear to any person of an iota of intelligence that neither the Buddhist monks nor the Rajapakses have a special status in the Constitution and what matters is the protection and the fostering of Buddhism. If we try to dramatize things, it is we who are providing a special status to the Rajapakses and the monks. The result is we the public automatically degrade ourselves and be vassals to various parties. My recommendation is that hold our heads up and uphold the “truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. The reality is that one cannot legislate qualifications for every position under the Sun. But the we the public, united, are entitled to demand decency and decorum in governance.
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leelagemalli / November 17, 2021
Dr Vallipuranathan
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From his NOMINATION to election and then false promises are all blatant lies.
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All these were not overlooked if those 7 millions of voters had brains.
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Not just Rajaakshes and their henchmen but also those who voted for them along with mlechcha MEDIA fraudsters should be made accoutable for the current mess.
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Today, I could not believe my EYES; but whole lot of people enjoyed looking at the manner, how the protesters attacked the EFIGIES of MAHINDA Rajakshes. Those who then got his PHOTO tatooed on their chest are today – in hallozination mode. Instead, Rajakshes penises should be tattooed on their faces today. We warned these men and women, having studied RAJApakshes for the last 15 years.
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Weerakatiya CATTLE thieves have never learnt it. I have no doubt come a days, very same people will stone them to death whereever they get to see them.
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Thanga / November 17, 2021
Don’t the writer know that qualifications do not matter in Sri Lanka when appointments are made to high posts? How qualified is the Finance Minister of the country? The President of the country? Cabinet Ministers?
Sri Lanka’s Parliament consists of a total of 225 members, out of which 47 are cabinet ministers. The government consists of an additional 20 state ministers and 25 deputy ministers. In all 92 ministers, that is 40.88 per cent of the 225 member parliament.
On March 15, this year, The Daily News newspaper, quoting Prof. M.O.A. de Zoysa of the University of Peradeniya, reported that 94 of Sri Lanka’s parliamentarians do not even possess the basic qualification of an Ordinary Level Examination.
This, we are lead to believe, is the educational standard of Sri Lanka’s public representatives.
In Singapore, with a population of over 5 million, 20 of the 22 Cabinet Ministers, possess a minimum qualification of a post-graduate degree.
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old codger / November 17, 2021
“Appointment Of Unqualified Persons As University Chancellors In Sri Lanka”
I think that’s the last thing we should worry about. What we should worry about is Appointment Of Unqualified Persons As Executive Presidents In Sri Lanka
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Native Vedda / November 20, 2021
old codger
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“What we should worry about is Appointment Of Unqualified Persons As Executive Presidents In Sri Lanka”
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He has an MSc and a “DSc” from Colombo uni thanks to Laksiri Fernando, and an MSc from University of Madras. What more do you want from him, a LLD from Namal baby’s Law College (rest assured it can be arranged), ….. also he is a grandfather, .. ?
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MyView / November 17, 2021
Is this not why we are, where we are ? The intellectual stature has deteriorated to the extent that most of the Professors, Senior Lecturers and Lecturers are all in one camp or other and playing politics openly for their personal benefit. Look around and we see divisions of one kind or another in every sphere.
Let us admit we are a many fissured, fractured Nation, each citizen jockeying to get something and no national interest involved.
How pathetic are our standards that they have dropped to the level of the FMTA, their media release has no date – could have been issued years ago!
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MyView / November 18, 2021
It is saddening that even a national calamity like the Covid Pandemic, did not bring any unity. The fault is in the govt. first not being serious and then trying to cash in by giving tenders to favourites for the various needed medical supplies and which infuriated the opposition. Everything they did was controversial, – one Law for them and another for others like they had processions funerals and tamashas while preaching distance behaviour for citizens. It is this duplicity that everything was lost..
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Simon / November 17, 2021
This Vice-Chancellor “Hamuduruwo” was asked at a Media Briefing: “What qualifications do you have to be appointed as Vice-Chancellor? He replied and answered: “Ask that from the President who appointed me”. The President at another Media Briefing said: ” I appointed this Hamuduruwo to be the Vic-Chancellor of the Colombo University because he campaigned for us to win the elections”.
The President has all the “POWER”, in terms of “20A” bestowed on him by the PEOPLE to make an appointment as he wishes. So why do you want to inquire into anyone’s qualifications and suitability? If not satisfied with the President’s “CHOICES”, then chase him away. That is the solution available to the people.
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leelagemalli / November 18, 2021
Then we need to question President what qualifications he obtained to become the leader of this nation… .their he will have to say ” he was the powerful so called fake defence his brother from 2005 to 2015.
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What further qualifications that NANDASEENI brings with – he had been alleged to have killed many journalists, and several innocient people…. .. all these were not overlooked to RATA THANAKOLA eaters of this country, nevertheless, they risked it.
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Dont you think, in the same manner, we could appoint – murdered Makandure Madhusha ” or the like candidates to be the leader of this nation.
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Political masturbation of Rajapkshes ruined this country/nation.
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And why dont COLOMBO UNIVERSITY dons yet react on this – APPOINTMENT ?
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What happened to that History Prof. Dewarsiri and other senior memebers in his staff ?
https://cmb.ac.lk/member/dnnr-dewasiri/
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And why do the VIYATHMAGA ballige puthas stay DEAF and BLIND today ?
What is the meaning of VIYATHMAGA btw ?
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leelagemalli / November 18, 2021
Sensitive Readers over to you.
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Below link will show you the qualifications of former VCs of UOC.
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https://cmb.ac.lk/past-vice-chancellors/
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GOTABAYA- most abusive man of the nation was then awarded with a DSc by University of Colombo. please check it out by clicking the link below
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https://cmb.ac.lk/honorary-degrees/
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Then no wonder that SL universities are ranked to be behind that of Bangaldesh and the lowest Uni s in India.
We told you not once SEVERAL DOZENS of times if RAJApakshes would be back to power….
DHAMMIKA PANIYA MAKER would become Chief Justice
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Muruththettuwa Male Nurse Cheewardhariya would be appointed as VC
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Polonnaruwe GHANAKKA will be senior adviser to NANDASENA, the symbol of stupidity.
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All these were not totally ignored. CONSEquences are before the eyes of PEOPLE today…
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / November 17, 2021
The executive president of Sri Lanka seems to have a constitutional authority to appoint whomsoever he wishes to the post of chancellor of a national university. The chancellor does not require formal academic qualifications to hold the position, unlike the vice chancellor who is nominated from among the senior-most academic staff of a university. Muruththettuwe Ananda will not be someone who desires the upliftment or progress of an institution of learning or research. His main focus of attention is on popular media attention and controversy, using his influence as a nurse’s union leader to bring pressure on political decision-making that is inconsistent with his own line of thinking or personal advantage. He does not have any measurable substance in integrity or recognition among any serious professional group. Thus, it appears as if the president appointed him to keep him quiet and happy rather than in the best interests of the halls of learning. This is to be expected, as the low self-esteem and inferiority complex of the man is evident in his other appointment actions.
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SJ / November 17, 2021
There seems to be confusion between Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.
The Chancellors role in running the university is almost zero. It is a ceremonial post.
The Vice Chancellor is elected by the University Council and there is procedure to follow. Yet the preference of the Council has been overlooked by Presidents a little too often to accommodate political favourites who get shortlisted.
The most academically qualified VC is no guarantee of the best possible administration. But that is no case for an unqualified person.
*
The Chancellor’s appointment is something else. It is good for the reputation of a university to have a person of some national stature as Chancellor. But a Chancellor of poor standing does far less harm than an unsuitable person for VC.
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Agnos / November 18, 2021
SJ,
Agreed that is the case. But the Chancellor should have achieved sufficient distinction in life for the university community to feel that the degrees they confer have real worth.
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SJ / November 18, 2021
Agnos
I was only clarifying a confusion.
I agree that there can be no excuse for appointing a person lacking some scholarly or professional standing as Chancellor.
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MyView / November 19, 2021
Dear SJ.
I would rather say that all this arises from “ electing a person lacking some scholarly, professional or moral standing as President.”
Not someone with some knowledge of dignity and decorum of office and what follows from one’s actions to the wellbeing and future of citizenry and state.
He came under doubtful circumstances of citizenship status with many uncleared areas covered up. Even obtaining local status was under many a cloud, getting that through a jilmart over the weekend with help from UNP. He came from a family well known for looting and plunder of the citizenry and with this same family members as second line of authority.
That is the reason for the present lowering of standards.
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MyView / November 19, 2021
Sorry : Should read-
Not someone with VERY LITTLE knowledge of dignity……
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Eagle Eye / November 19, 2021
MyView,
“He came from a family well known for looting and plunder of the citizenry and with this same family members as second line of authority.”
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This is the view of the people suffering from ‘Defeat-Syndrome’.
He did not come from a family well known for looting and plunder of the citizenry but from a family well known for giving leadership to eliminate Tamil terrorists who massacred Sinhala Buddhist men, women, children, Buddhist monks and even fetus of Sinhala pregnant women and gave people in this country peace in mind that was denied by terrorists for three decades.
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MyView / November 20, 2021
…….He did not come from a family well known for looting and plunder……..
A lie told a thousand times is still not the truth.
The BOTTOM of the iceberg is the episode of Thirukumar Nadesan and Nirupama Rajapaksa.
If they accumulated so much, you can guess the others up the ladder.
Mansions at Malwana and Browns Hill Matara had no owners – ha ha.
Some poor souls are willing to die for their faith in the R’s. Abject pity on them.
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MyView / November 20, 2021
Dear EE,
Your applying a ‘Defeatist Syndrome” to me shows the error of your thinking and inability to judge correctly. Why should I have a DS? For the record I am not from a minority group, as you have ascribed that “DS” in the past, in reference to minorities, (though I would not say so regarding them.) They have grievances which need being listening to and being addressed.
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Buddhist1 / November 18, 2021
We started with “Pinata Seats” in the Parliament, then we handed over “Pinata Business” such as Avant-Garde to friends and family, then we moved on to “Pinata Nominations” to wives, children and keeps, now to top it all we are giving “Pinata Chancellorship” to unqualified Rajapakse Slaves!
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Eagle Eye / November 19, 2021
Buddhist1,
“We started with “Pinata Seats” in the Parliament…”
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Unfortunately there was no ‘Pinata Separate State’.
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AYATHURAY RAJASINGAM / November 18, 2021
Just imagine for a moment. Can these Buddhist Prelates bring back the past glory like Sir Nicholas Attygalle. During the period of Sir Nicholas Attygalle even the Prime Minister has to get permission if he is to enter the University premises. Rest is understood by the readers.
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SJ / November 18, 2021
He was a cut above most VCs after him, but do not idolize the man.
Remember the indignity with which he left his job.
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Simon / November 18, 2021
Mr. Ayathuray: I am sure you would have heard of “Darwins” theory of “Evolution”. The basis of that theory is “Natural Selection” and “Evolve” to “LIVE, no matter what “FORM” one takes. For your spare time thinking.
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Eagle Eye / November 18, 2021
AYATHURAY RAJASINGAM,
“Sir Nicholas Attygalle was was known as the “Iron Vice Chancellor”.
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Now if the VCs try to be like that, JVP and Peratugami dong keys play hell.
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appuhamy / November 18, 2021
Academics have been appointed as chancellors who cannot even stand up to garland the graduates. One such academic Premadasa Udagama somehow pushed the vice chancellor to open a law faculty at Peradeniya university so that his daughter can become the head and later the dean of this faculty. He is the fellow who banned AL practical exams for science subjects because he was jealous of his neighbour earning a lot of money from the examination department by conducting practical exams. Such are the rogues in academic gown and appointed as chancellors. Unfortunately even the academics never saw this manipulation and agreed to establish this faculty.
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Humble / November 19, 2021
What we need is a University free from the influence of politicians and religious bigotry
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That is correct! But Sri Lankas entire academic system from nursery upwards is based on racism and distorting history, to promote Sinhala buddhist supremacy.
That has been in effect even with ‘highly qualified’ people in charge of ‘education’
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Eagle Eye / November 19, 2021
Humble,
“But Sri Lankas entire academic system from nursery upwards is based on racism and distorting history, to promote Sinhala buddhist supremacy.”
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But still Sinhala Buddhist supremacists give ‘FREE EDUCATION’ to Tamils.
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Humble / November 19, 2021
Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan, himself was involved in perpetrating the fake pandemic last year, claiming that the government was not being strict enough to ‘curb the spread’ in the north.
Some sinhala doctor then accused him of being ‘racist’ for saying that.
A classic example of the staged diversionary theatre that freemasons and their associates often do to distract people.
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SJ / November 19, 2021
I think that you should consult a non-freemason specialist to deal with the freemasons who make you restless.
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Humble / November 20, 2021
I think that you should consult a non-freemason specialist to deal with the freemasons who make you restless.
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I do! He is the most high god!
He will have freemasonry wiped out very soon.
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Murali / November 19, 2021
I was never involved in perpetrating a fake epidemic. There was a media report that a 34 year old person hailing from Mathugama who underwent quarantine process at Kanthakadu Centre was tested COVID positive 10 days after return from the Centre. Based on similar reports from several centres and by inquiring at the level of isolation enforced in the isolation centres, as a specialist in my field with knowledge in epidemiology, I stated that these incidents proved that cross infection had taken place in the Centres. Unfortunately GMOA issued a statement calling me a racist and alleged that I was trying to damage the reputation of the centres. However, the subsequent outbreaks occurred at several centres led the centres to adopt strict isolation procedures later. I would appreciate if Mr. “Humble” could verify his facts before posting as damaging comments. Thank you. Dr Murali Vallipuranathan
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Humble / November 20, 2021
Murali,
There is no pandemic. It is a total hoax.
Yet you are talking about ‘people getting infected with it’ thus deceiving the people.
Activists in the west have challenged governments to prove the existence of the virus in court and the latter have failed!
Naturally the masonic media has covered this up. Even on the internet like on youtube, their masonic handlers are deleting or shadow banning videos exposing all of this.
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MyView / November 21, 2021
Dear H.
…Activists….. An invisible amorphous group like ‘reliable sources,’ ‘an insider’, ‘it has been reported’ etc. No direct responsibility attached to these statements.
……challenged governments to prove the existence of the virus in court……
May be if exact references/locations given of these courts, there would be more credibility.
“ Utu.be” is everyone’s idea of anything and not dependable to believe.
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Murali / November 20, 2021
When the whole world is affected by pandemic an anonymous person arguing there was no pandemic. Let the other readers judge about Mr. Humble and his delusions.
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