By Colombo Telegraph –
“One of the candidates is the spouse of the current chairperson of the UGC. The UGC makes its own recommendation to the President on who out of the three candidates ought to be appointed as VC. The actual and perceived independence of a Vice Chancellor is essential for the autonomous functioning of the university. The UGC is the regulator of higher education in Sri Lanka and has to act independently from the respective university. The UGC makes determinations, among other things, regarding allocation of funds and appointments to university councils. The University Services Appeals Board is under the purview of the UGC. The independence of the university from the UGC therefore is essential. Therefore, either the candidate or the UGC chairperson must immediately withdraw from their respective positions.” says the Association of Law Teachers of the University of Colombo
We publish below the ALTUC statement in full;
ALTUC (the Association of Law Teachers of the University of Colombo) at the Special General Meeting on the 8th of March 2013 unanimously adopted the following statement regarding the selection and nomination of a Vice Chancellor for the University of Colombo
ALTUC is an association committed to upholding the rule of law, democratic values and the respect for human dignity and rights. It is entrusted with the task of inculcating the same.
UGC Chairperson - Hirimburegama - (Center)
A Vice Chancellor of a university is the chief executive officer who acts as the representative of the institution and the officer who acts as the leader of the institution. As such, the Vice Chancellor is called to provide vision, leadership and inspiration to the university wide community and assert, among other things, the autonomy of the institution.
It has been made known that three candidates have been selected/nominated for the post of vice chancellor. Two significant concerns are noted in this regard;
- One of the candidates is the spouse of the current chairperson of the UGC. The UGC makes its own recommendation to the President on who out of the three candidates ought to be appointed as VC. The actual and perceived independence of a Vice Chancellor is essential for the autonomous functioning of the university. The UGC is the regulator of higher education in Sri Lanka and has to act independently from the respective university. The UGC makes determinations, among other things, regarding allocation of funds and appointments to university councils. The University Services Appeals Board is under the purview of the UGC. The independence of the university from the UGC therefore is essential. Therefore, either the candidate or the UGC chairperson must immediately withdraw from their respective positions.
- The call for applications/nominations and the time allocated for discussion and debate on the suitability of the candidates within the broader university community has been effectively eliminated. The application deadline for the post of VC was the 28th of February and the candidates have been scheduled to make their presentations on the 11th of March. A longer time period is desirable if the selection process is to be more participatory and transparent.
Therefore; We request the Council to consider the issue of conflict of interest. Debate on the potential impact it could have on the process and reach an informed and carefully thought through decision on the matter. The Council ought to act in the best interest of the institution.
Provide for a more transparent and participatory process in the selection process. Providing wide publicity to the process, inviting comments from the university community and encouraging university wide debate and discussion are possible methods to be employed.
Chandra / March 9, 2013
If it was the case that there were only three candidates, it is difficult to blame the selectors (council?). Under these conditions (given this eventuality was predictable) every senior professor in Colombo Uni (and other universities in SL) should have put their names forward!
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Exasperated / March 9, 2013
We had the same problem with the case of the former Chief Justice SB. She was finally impeached with conflict of interests as one of the charges as her husband was the chairperson of NSB who was charged with misappropriation.
This chairman of the UGC too could be got rid of later if his corporation become deficient showing this conflict of interests as a reason if his wife is appointed as VC! How convenient.
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mahasohon / March 9, 2013
Yes, then what about Rajapaksha clan. Family members have been appointed to the top posdts of all the governments institutes and organs that legislate, allocates and control funds, controls the armed forces, paramilitary and police, and all cooperations worth mentioning. UGC and VC are nothing compared to what goes on at higher levels, so it is time that the ALTUC and all the citizens come out on to the street and protest against nepotism and corruption, and lawlessness in the country.
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Paba / March 9, 2013
Fully agree.
Looks like even the dons do not learn from the past. What a shame!!
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Rev.C. Wilamarathne / March 9, 2013
This University has family dept therefore becoming husband VC is not wrong at all. See Economics Dept in this university all are familiy members and familiy members friends and grandfather is a emiritus. This emiritus sacked by CB sometime back from VC position.
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Patta Pal / March 9, 2013
Even if the only or even best candidate is the UGC chairperson’s husband to follow her into the same post as the VC of the Colombo University, it should not be permitted.
I cannot understand why this has even become an issue. The UGC chairperson if she is worthy of that post, must at least have the maturity to understand that however impartial or independent she is from this application, as she is the head of the organization that ultimately recommends the appointment to the President, how on earth can she recommend her husband or even recuse herself from taking any part in the negotiation, when she knows the parties who will then make the appointment as being colleagues of whom she is the senior person by virtue of her position.
We in Sri Lanka are so used to having our kith and kin in positions that we think nothing of it. It is this culture that is WRONG. Antennae must be raised when such a position is being considered.
No wonder academics are frustrated in the University system, as merit has NO place in proceedings. So senior tenured professors please understand that better people than you have been forced out of the SL uni system sometimes to prestigious universities overseas due to this ageism seniority culture that has stifled progress in our academic institutions.
How about a dynamic twenty something for the post of VC, now that will be a sea change that will brighten up the Uni system from this necropolis of mediocrity, no idiocy.
I am sad that we have dumb academics that we place in positions of authority, as proved so plainly in this case.
Sorry UGC chair its nothing personal. Its your position.
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Namal Perera / March 9, 2013
What is the big deal, the corrupt, lawless Banana Republic itself is a family dictatorship. The crazy family acts like they own our mother Lanka.
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Lihini / March 9, 2013
This is highly unethical. The husband should withdraw his application.
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Mahinda / March 9, 2013
Why this commotion
In Mahinda land Mahinda rules
Justice-fair play – who cares
New UGC chairman – Qualification _mahinda
Entire Sri Lanka University Vice Chancellors came on Public TV and endorsed Mahinda re-election
Why all this fuss about UGC Chairman Husband getting an appointment
We are all down south people- Mattala airport- Best
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justice / March 10, 2013
The present UGC chairman was appointed VC of University of Colombo, by President Mahinda R, and proposed honorary degrees to Mahinda and Gota – hence was awarded chair of UGC when it fell vacant.
Now,her husband wants to become VC of University of Colombo.
This is totally unethical.
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Hemamalee Abeydeera / March 10, 2013
Whole Sri Lankan University system full of mafia and jokers. Take professors qualifications. No PhDs from good ranking and accredited Universities and not at all any single publications in ISI level international journals. Even Sudan and Ethoipia is better than this.International qualifications to appoint professor your PhD from good reputable ranking and accredited University and you have to have minium 15 publications in ISI and Scopus level international journals. But in Sri Lanka none has this qualifications.All professors are fakes. Colombo University inside not even worth to talk. Familiy to sex dept you find in many faculties.
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Chandra Seneviratne / March 10, 2013
In the case of impeachment of former chief justice one issue on which Rajapaksa clan when to town was that there was a conflict of internet as it was wrong for Chief Justice to hold office when her husband was appointed chairperson of NSB disregarding the fact that the perpetrator was none other MR in making both appointments.
There is nothing right and wrong for MR’s clan in governance.Now this shameless MR in lily-white is preaching what is good and bad, right and wrong to people to follow. What moral, ethical right or decency MR has so to do.The inner psych of every despot and tyrannical leader brings into being this duplicity.It is said that god before destroying makes the man mad.
Corrupt leader corrupts all the people, society and its institutions and organs and UGC is no exception.This is how they rule and bring every institution under the tyrannical ruler.
The issue is to what extent and how long the learned could stand aloof of this social plague and fight against it.
MR merrily goes on with the crowed he is comfortable with and giving in impunity his family members, relations, acolytes the top positions in government, its institutions, organs, in foreign service etc plundering public funds.
Chandra Seneviratne
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Charitha Rathna / March 10, 2013
Do not blame to this UGC Chair-woman. Why no one is talking about the Colombo University history the most [Edited out] VC and his family dept. Now this man is in this family dept living like king (Emiritus) with his all henchment, kiths and kins. Even Rajapaskaha family did not do that much harm to Sri Lankan education system. His (former VC) first son entered to Kalaniya University medical faculty without Sri Lankan A/L by using a foreign passport. Second son became Lecturer his own family Dept and his uncles and sons freinds are also became Lecturers and all Lecturer positions given to henchmen and all the best qualified PhD Lecturers left this Dept because of his huge [Edited out]. Even he [Edited out]. He [Edited out]. Many japanepese got degrees in that way. His daguter also became Lecturer for this Faculty and he [Edited out] and all harm did for Sri Lankan University Education. Finally Chandrika said him to resign.He resign from VC but stay in his familiy dept inside. These are the things you have to highlighted not this UGC woman and husband case. This VC did not do any harm except serving and giving degrees to MR family. Sri Lankan degrees who care they just a paper without any value.
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Rohan / March 10, 2013
Where did Gota get the dress?
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Silvia / March 10, 2013
UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
MINIMUM Z- SCORES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2011/2012 BASED ON (A/L) EXAM 2011
Statistically it is absolutely wrong to discriminate students after standardization of marks. Whole purpose of standardization of marks on the basis of Z score is to bring different combinations of subjects and different examination papers to give a single minimum Z score cut off mark.
http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/university-admissions/minimum-z-scores.html?id=115&view=cutoff&district=MATARA
http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/university-admissions/minimum-z-scores.html?id=114&view=cutoff&district=MATARA
http://www.ugc.ac.lk/en/university-admissions/minimum-z-scores.html
Statistically it is absolutely wrong to provide two unequal cut off marks for students after z score standardization of marks.
UGC has completely messed up with university admissions, hundreds of students deprived of university education. Minimum Z score required for Colombo district is 2.1777 for one group for the others 1.9189 for the purpose of selection to medical faculties. Galle 2.1209 and for the others 1.8161. Kandy 2.1846 and for the others 1.788. Mathara one group needs an average standardized z score as high as 2.172 only 11 students selected same district other students need only 1.8525 more than 40 selected and openly there is gross discrimination and inequality.
UGC has openly discriminated and rights of students violated. Now it is historically documented. It is a disgrace for the academics anywhere in the world. Sri Lankans become a laughing stock.
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Ananda T / March 11, 2013
Obviously, University admissions are grossly irregular. Students in future could loose the confidence placed upon university admissions, this can also lead to legal issues claiming damage many years later, when these students become professionals. Some of them may become lawyers.
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Thamara / March 13, 2013
At least now can’t they correct them by listing them on Z score ranks? What about the victims of UGC blunders?
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Silvia / March 10, 2013
Course of Study Colombo
Minimum Z – Score
NEW SYLLABUS OLD SYLLABUS
MEDICINE 2.1777 1.919
DENTAL SURGERY 2.1412 1.8712
VETERINARY SCIENCE 1.9082 1.6654
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY 2.0589 1.7873
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT 1.6482 1.4341
AGRICULTURE 1.1433 0.8395
Inequalities in all subject streams and in all districts, students are confused after so much of hard work and passing competitive examinations. Merit and ranks were not taken in to consideration and admissions are irregular and arbitrary.
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Gour H / March 13, 2013
UGC will have to compensate by absorbing all students left over by taking them in the order of island ranks on the basis of merit.
There will be hundreds of applications as appeal , irregularity can be minimized by filling the vacancies in the order of Island ranks.
Different quota have already been allocated and given them places. now what is left is to compensate highest ranking victims badly affected due to bungling done by the UGC.
Problem seem to be merit and the rank have not been taken in to consideration when they allocate places.
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Dr Ranjith Perera / March 10, 2013
I checked the truth of former Colombo VC’s s ..
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Siripala Perera / March 11, 2013
Do not attack to this woman UGC chair person. Check inside Colombo University. Some depts are family trees and full of henchmen relatives…etc. Nothing wrong with husband becoming VC if he is qualified. University Lecturer positions always given to relatives, friends, sons and daughters. Sri Lank anything can happen. That is why you do not have any University internationally recognised. Your profs qualifications shame even to talk as a country.
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shashini / March 11, 2013
Naduth hamuduranwange,baduth hamuduruwange :P
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an insider / March 11, 2013
There is a story that the former VC has not yet vacated the official residence. If that is true then some construe the attempt of the spouse to become the next VC is a move to continue to keep the residence down Bagatale Road.
Last time, when the former VC was appointed by the President to the post, it is said the 03 names were sent to the President by the UGC without the number of votes each candidate got and with the name of the last VC on top even though she got the least number of votes. It is well known the last VC got the appointment because of her close connections to the Rajapakse regime.
Last VC is well known for publicly campaigning for the Rajapakse regime canvassing signatures from university academics for advertisements supporting the regime in elections. She together with Gamini Samaranayake appeared on TV supporting the regime in elections.
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Visakha Tillekeratne, Justice for Victims / March 11, 2013
Oh dear, we are going into another CJ type situation! This is truly the Miracle of Asia, that we repeat our mistakes so many times. Maybe we are a nation pf imbeciles?
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vikram / March 11, 2013
Here is unofficial result of the voting for the three candidates for the post of VC, University of Colombo held today (11/03/1213) afternoon.
Prof. Laskhman Dissanayake – 15 votes
Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama – 13 votes
Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa – 08 votes
Council of the University (as per its website) is as follows:
Chairman – The Acting Vice Chancellor
Prof. T.R. Ariyaratne (Dean, Science)
The Rector, Sri Palee Campus
Dr Tudor Weerasinghe
The Deans of the Faculties
Professor M.D.A.L. Ranasinghe (Arts)
Prof. Marie E.S. Perera (Education)
Mr. V. T. Thamilmaran(Law)
Prof. H. D. Karunaratne (Management Finance)
Senior Professor M.M.R.W. Jayasekara (Medicine)
Prof. T.R. Ariyaratne (Science)
Prof. Sunil Chandrasiri (Graduate Studies)
The members elected by the Senate from among its own members
Professor Indralal De Silva
Professor D.N. Samaraserkera
The members appointed by the University Grants Commission
Mr. Rajan Asirwatham
Mr. K. Kang-Isvaran (PC, Bar-at-Law)
Mr. Thilak Karunaratne (B.Sc (Sri Lanka), PG Dip Bus. Mgt. (NIBM) Fell. of Institute of Chemistry Chairman/ CEO, Multiform Chemicals (Pub.) Ltd. ,Past President – UOC Alumini Association)
Mr. C. Maliyadde
Mr. HMN Warakaulle (BA (Cey), Dip in Tert. Ed. (N.E.) Registrar, Informations Institute of Tech, formerly Addc. Secretary/ UGC, Registrar /OUSL/UOC, Dir/IHRA)
Mr. PW Senaratne (B.Sc. (Col.), M.Sc. (UK), Dip.RICS(UK), MRICS(UK), FIV (SL) , FPCS (UK), Chief Valuer, State Valuation Dept. President ,UOC Alumini Association)
Dr. Harsha Cabral (Ph.D, P.C)
Dr. Cuda Wijeratne (M.B.B.S.(Cey), Dip. in Psy. Med. MRCPsych, FRpsych. (UK))
Mr. Asoka Pathirage
Mr. A. P. Gunaratne (B.A.( Cey) Dip. in Ed, Educational Management Consultant, Formerly Principal, Ananda Collage, Colombo)
Dr. Ranjanie Gamage
Ms. Lesha de Silva Chandrasena
Two new council members who were supposed to have been appointed by the UGC last night are said to have joined the voting today.
Secretary – Registrar
Mr. K.A.S. Edward,
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vikram / March 11, 2013
Prof. Dissanayake tops University Council poll
Appointment of Colombo University VC
March 11, 2013, 9:42 pm
by Dasun Edirisinghe
Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake, of the Colombo University Arts Faculty, Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama of the Science Faculty and Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa of the Law Faculty, obtained 15, 13 and eight votes respectively at the University Council election yesterday.
The 23-member University Council called for applications for the VC post which fell vacant after Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama assumed duties as the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC) on February 01.
Only three applications were received for the post and the election was held yesterday. Each member has three votes. Normally the University Council election is held to prune down the number of nominees to three.
The names of three members would be sent to the UGC to be forwarded to the President shortly.
The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) and the Association of Law Teachers’ of the University Colombo opposed the nomination of Dr. Hirimburegama as his wife heads the UGC.
However, the UGC Chief Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama said the UGC’s function was to merely forward the three names selected by the university council to the President. It would not select the VC, she said.
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=74510
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Arira B. Rakawa / March 11, 2013
Hi Corruptive Emritus’s Three henchmen backgrounds:..
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Ajmir / March 12, 2013
This is again a problem of University Autonomy, one of the major demands of the FUTA struggle. Nirmal himself should have applied to the post of Vc just to counter that Hitlerite Hiraburgema. Now that Hiraburegama will be definitely nominated if the other two have not made any pact with the president. Everything is because of the silent majority, who just enjoy the so-called freedom after war………………..there are no universities in Sri Lanka, all are brothels………..
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Author Manju / March 12, 2013
Another person at Moratuwa University put one page advertisement to vote for MR during election by getting henchmen Lecturers signatures and expected VC position. But he humiliated and now living like dog in faculty dean position.Seems like he never want to give up that like Nalin Silva at Kalaniya.
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Patta Pal / March 12, 2013
If one reads the comments above what conclusion does one come to? Lets be honest.
1 If I was a potential undergraduate, I will not dream of even wishing to get into the Colombo University.
2 If I was an academic I will not wish to teach here.
3 There is a cat in hell’s chance of this University getting anywhere near the top 500 let alone top 10 of South Asian Uni rankings.
4 Graduates from the Colombo University have no chance of ever getting a decent job.
So it is time to change the whole set up to one that is transparent, meritocratic, up to date, and on more responsible footing with VC appointed for managerial skills, not academic, as it is a business, that has to earn money from Post Graduate Courses to subsidize the poor allocation of funds. ONLY then will there be some hope.
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Ms. Rajitha Aponsu / March 12, 2013
Why government is not appointing independent Commission (Without any University joker) to find the truth in Colombo University Arts faculty family depratment. I know majority of Lecturers are disrobed guys because Emritus educated in Pririvena at Waliama. Therefore blame of this UGC woman useless and correct root cause of Colombo University. Emritue’s all outdoor connections now leading all positions in many faculties and post graduate areas. Some are give Lecturer position because Emritus translation book done by them and some draw diagramm for that. This emritus do not have any single publication in Scopus or ISI journals and translation done by using others and put his name. Billions foreign funds mis used this Emiritus.
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Dr Sharma Joyshiya / March 12, 2013
Recently I was given ADB assignment to check quality of Sri Lankn higher education. I was shock to see nside Universities. 90% profs do not have PhDs and any single publications in ISI and Scopus level. They even do not know what is international indexed journals or impact factors..etc. Some academic depts are family trees. Those who have PhDs got from the places and countries no one go to get higher education. Thailan, India, Malysia, Technical Colleges in UK…etc. God bless for the higher education in this country. Recheck qualifications of all University academic staffs and sack them for using wrong titles. Regional Universities are worse. I worked in Sudan and Ethiopia they are much much better than appointing professors. Even for politicians letters professor positions are given in Sri lanka.
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Sunderam / March 13, 2013
How come one can find Dr Sharma Joyshiya’s name on the internet only in colombo telegraph related comments?
Pl. give us a link to the publication of your ADB assignment.
I am wondering what academic publications Dr. Joyshiya has other than his comments in the Colombo Telegraph.
Where did Dr. Joyshiya get his PhD from? Or is he a medical doctor? Attached to? Appolo Hospitals?
We must be grateful for his interest and understanding of Sri Lankan affairs.
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with an ear to the inside / March 13, 2013
Here are some inside news as I gathered them.
The latest situation it seems is that former VC’s husband has been asked by the President to withdraw from the competition for the VC post after both FUTA and Colombo Law Faculty Teachers’ Union exposed the conflict of interest issue involved.
Now, he is also said to be supporting a move to bring the third candidate who got the least number of votes to the VC post. Former VC it seems is not happy about this development.
It seems this third candidate who was a campaign activist of Fonseka’s Presidential election campaign turned blue after the election and after a long struggle to appease the government got a couple of positions and he is trying to become the VC via the path of Defence Secretary it is said.
This candidate has said that he wants to become the VC to teach Colombo Law Faculty teachers a lesson as according to him they have not treated him well over some issues.
It is said that SrI Lanka Nidahas University Teachers’ Association wants to bring the third candidate as the VC because they want a VC whom they can call ‘machan.’ Another group of Colombo University academics have told the President it is said) that they would like to have a VC whom they can call ‘Sir’ without shame.
Among the three nominees for the post, there is one professor and the other two candidates are grade two senior lectures, it seems. The professor has an international recognition at higher level as well with about forty years national and international experience.
When he contested for the same post six years ago it seems he got the highest number of votes (20) whereas it was the person who got the least number of votes who (08) was appointed to the post then. It is said that academics fear that this time also the same scene could be re-enacted because what the regime wants is not someone who can develop Colombo University to international level but who can bring it under the jack boot of the regime.
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Ms..A.Sugunawathi / March 13, 2013
Dr Sharma ’s can be seen this way: Go in front of mirror remove your cloth and look down. But some time you may do not have that. That is why Sri Lankan low level University teachers never make any voice against disaster making to country by one family.Junk Lecturer ADB do many thing on higher education and its reforms in many parts of the world. This emiritus in Colombo University completly used University to built his personnel network and even girls used by him later wed to boys and gave lecturer positions and sent aboard through his networks by using froeign aids. Still his coverups after retirement working in this University on contrcat basis.
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