Professor Rajiva Wijesingha says the Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) must accept that it has engaged in politicization when considering the manner in which they dealt with their call for the resignation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman.
Professor Rajiva Wijesingha
Responding to the statement issued by FUTA over the misconceptions surrounding the resignation of UGC Chairman Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama, Prof. Wijesingha has pointed out that going over his head as the State Minister for Higher Education as well as over the head of the Cabinet Minister for Higher Education and appealing directly to the Prime Minister is engaging in politicization.
“I have never commented on FUTA’s call for her resignation. It’s a perfectly legitimate exercise . . .,” Prof. Wijesingha has said in his statement adding, “I am deeply sorry that FUTA has turned this controversy into an effort to attack me personally. . . My quarrel is with the process followed by the authorities not with what FUTA requested.”
We publish below his statement in full:
Response to FUTA Statement
I am deeply sorry that the Federation of University Teachers, in an otherwise very sensible statement regarding the current controversy over the Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, has misrepresented my position in the matter.
It has claimed that ‘the misrepresentation of FUTA’s call for her resignation, as a form of political victimization by the State Minister of Higher Education is either deliberately mischievous or astoundingly naïve’. I have never commented on FUTA’s call for her resignation, which is a perfectly legitimate exercise. It is FUTA’s duty to bring possible abuses to the notice of the authorities, and it is the duty of the authorities to inquire into allegations, which is a measure FUTA says it would welcome.
I am deeply sorry that FUTA has turned this controversy into an effort to attack me personally, because I believe strongly in many of their ideals, and was delighted by the statement concerning the manner in which official bodies relating to the university sector should be established. At a very lively discussion at the Senate room in Peradeniya, in which many academics participated despite FUTA calling, because of my presence, for a boycott of an event to celebrate Lakshman Kadirgamar, it transpired that I had already included much of what they suggested in my initial draft for a new Universities Act.
My quarrel has been with the process followed by the authorities, not with what FUTA has requested. As FUTA now seems to grant, once allegations were made, they needed to be looked into. I have looked into all allegations brought to my notice appropriately, and it is astonishing that the Cabinet Minister should have, as he put it, demanded the resignation of the UGC, invoking the name of the President which was completely misplaced because of pressure brought by FUTA..
But FUTA must accept that sadly it has engaged in politicization by going over my head, and indeed over the head of the Cabinet Minister, by appealing direct to the Prime Minister. This is precisely the nonsense that happened earlier when, in response to complaints made to him, the former President gave instructions to others. I am happy to say the present President does not behave like that, and instead refers problems to those to whom he has delegated authority. The interference by the Prime Minister in matters where the President has delegated authority elsewhere is unacceptable, and must stop, in the interests of Good Governance. FUTA should support me in my efforts to ensure that proper systems are followed, and that their complaints are properly investigated rather than accepted without question. Those are practices we should all work together to stop, because giving in to pressure and perpetuating injustice in the supposed interests of justice is also abuse of power.
Pygmalion / February 21, 2015
Rajiva now says….
It is time to close the chapter on a decidedly unsavoury past and to move towards a more democratic and transparent future in which the cherished academic principles of academic freedom and University Autonomy are valued.
Ha! Ha! Look who is talking.Just 3 months after he turned his coat!
The State Minister of Higher Education is trying to teach his Grand Mother how to suck eggs!
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Point of View / February 21, 2015
Get lost, Rajiva !
You belong to Nugegoda foursome along with Dayan. Why should anyone give you a Cabinet Minister position when you cannot win an election ? That is the issue here. You think no end of yourself.
Even if you get the Cabinet position, what will you do in less than 100 days what you couldn’t do in the last few years being in the Parliament ?
FUTA – Do not allow this [Edited out] to get his way !
President Sirisena / Ranil / Kabir – Do not give into this guy. Let him leave. There are enough young professionals to represent the people instead of this fool.
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Srinath.gunaratne / February 22, 2015
Same argument goes to gon palana PM, Ranil!
Who elected him?
Let me be PM and let us all form a national govt?
Democracy ehh!
UNP is desparate to grab the power!
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Samuel Jayaweera / February 22, 2015
Man wake up and ask yourself your thoughts and minds towards the nation are right ?
How much of billions – MR clans deliberately wasted in the name of war victory ?
Are you happy the way now things getting revealed very disadvantageous to MR and his brothers… ?
If you are not sane, we can consider it, but you guys living onthe LONDON can see it just the one side.
MR could have been a greater leader if he did not abuse the nation.
My 85 year old father said lately, Ane puthe nethi ekata athi unahama okkoma nasthi koranawa.
Dont you have heart feelings you bugger ?
We the right thinking ones are more than happy MR to be out of lanken politics. That is it.Basta
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Nafeel / February 22, 2015
whether u already know how to suck egg or not – accept the fact.
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Supun Jayawardhane / February 22, 2015
This is very right ON one hand, but if THOSE DONS woudl sleep further, people of this country would further have been looted. I have the feeling the manner most of them reacted not criticising Raja politics was not acceptable.
In a country, when allmost everything is being looted, higher professionals have every right to go against that.
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I'mmad / February 21, 2015
I must thank you for the beautiful language in which you have encapsulated the deals. I quote:
” FUTA must accept that sadly it has engaged in politicization by going over my head, and indeed over the head of the Cabinet Minister, by appealing direct to the Prime Minister. This is precisely the nonsense that happened earlier when, in response to complaints made to him, the former President gave instructions to others. I am happy to say the present President does not behave like that, and instead refers problems to those to whom he has delegated authority. The interference by the Prime Minister in matters where
the President has delegated authority elsewhere is unacceptable, and must
stop, in the interests of Good Governance. FUTA should support me in my
efforts to ensure that proper systems are followed, and that their complaints
are properly investigated rather than accepted without question. Those are
practices we should all work together to stop, because giving in to pressure
and perpetuating injustice in the supposed interests of justice is also abuse
of power.”
There are certain things which bear particular emphasis when it comes to this line of argument. Let me put it in the form of question and comments:
– is it that now State Minister Rajiva W has no quarrel, or issue to take with Minister Kabir Hashim on account of this? He earlier appeared to criticise Minister Hashim.
– does he state here that PM Ranil W has had a hand in the matter of resignation of the Chairperson of UGC? If so, does he imply that RW has done it without the authority of, or without consulting with, the new President. If so, is it the same culture, or attitude, which had led many including him to attack those surrounding the (former) president MR, not MR himself, for the ills that had happened during MR’s regime, that is showing up. If so, how to address this mindset?
– depoliticization in state institutions is in fact the integral part of the mandate that the new President has received at the last presidential election. It is true that depoliticization should be achieved through means and methods, that are in themselves not politicised. What does it mean? Does it rely entirely on legal means? How to balance the imperative of the public mandate (to depoliticize), which now stands further defined by the 100 day programme (of which almost 45 days are already gone), with the prerequisites or compulsions of ‘legal means’ or law, which can not be achieved in Sri Lanka in days. If what is really intended is the application of natural justice, or a specific component of it, the legal principle of procedural fairness, does the UGC Act or any relevant Act allow the UGC chairperson being suspended until the inquiry is carried out so that the chairperson can not enjoy the authority temporarily, which may be used to subvert or undermine the inquiry? No it doesn’t, to my knowledge. All these are therefore relevant to the discussion of this matter.
– it is my strong personal view, given the reasons and constraints stated herein, that the matter falls squarely within the purview of ‘legitimacy’ not ‘legality’. It is a matter of legitimacy because it is integral to the question of execution of the public mandate given to the new President which is grounded in legitimacy.
– morally speaking too, the call for resignation of UGC chairperson has come
from the same forces, whose call – a part of it was this- had contributed to the conferring upon the new President the public mandate in this respect.
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Jagath Fernando / February 21, 2015
FUTA is a trade a union like GMOA and BASL.
All of them are involved in politics.
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Nimal / February 21, 2015
Did FUTA call for a boycott of an event to celebrate Lakshman Kadirgamar? Isn’t Rajiva saying a lie?
Why would a politician go to university for such an event politicizing it?
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Lakshman Perera / February 21, 2015
This Professor is not living in this world. He is an alien. Only he doesn’t know that these Hirimburagamas (both) have really politicized the whole University system. Not only they should be sacked, but investigate into what they have done in the past.
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Nimal / February 21, 2015
It is the practice in democracies that when a new regime comes into power all political appointees of the old regime resign from their posts.
Following this the UGC council including the Chair, all the councils of universities all of which are full of political henchmen of the previous regime and Vice Chancellors who are political appointees should have been asked to resign. But that didn’t happen.
With regard to Kshanika from the beginning Rajiva took the position that she had publicly campaigned for MR regime under pressure. If Rajiva believes this sincerely it surely shows his naivety. But I don’t think Rajiva is such a baby. She was not under pressure but it is she who took the initiative to politicize the entire university system. It is she who according to Akila Viraj worshipped the former President going down on her knees in front of other senior academics like the Vice Chancellors. It is she who organized a so-called progress evaluation of higher education at the Temple tress and pressurized university academics to visit MR to listen to his election campaigning in the last election. If she was under pressure she could have always gone back to her substantive position of university lecturer which she did not.
A Colombo university professor who is very close to Kshnaika had told her colleagues that Kshanika and Rajiva are very good friends.
It is reported that Kshanika’s husband Kumara is planning to appoint her on her return to the university as the Director of IHRA at Colombo University which has been treated by the couple as their fiefdom.
Rajiva keeps on criticizing Prime Minister and the Minister Kabir Hasshim in public violating all decency and collective responsibility like a child throwing tantrums. He suggests that the President can be mislead insinuating the latter is not competent to hold the post. .All this tantrum throwing is to draw attention to himself and get things done his own way without being accountable to the public which FUTA represents and members of which tirelessly worked to elect the Maithri regime.
His claim that Maithri should give cabinet posts to all political parties in the coalition that formed the new regime is absurd given that his party doesn’t have a single MP elected in the parliament. He is a nominated MP and he should not be given any minister post simply because he is a so-called professor ( is he entitled to use this title outside the tenure at university? If he isn’t then isn’t he misusing the title and misleading the public?) and a member of the elite and is a cousin of Ranil Wickramasinghe?
Ranil has said that it is Chandrika who asked him to appoint Rajiva as the cabinet minister of Higher Education but Ranil gave him only a state minister post.
What are the many ideals of FUTA Rajiva claims he believe strongly? He should tell the public.
Did Rajiva consult university community at any point in drafting the new Universities Act? By consulting the university community, does he mean to get the opinions of Vice Chancellors (VCs) only? Does he know whether the Vice Chancellors have consulted the university academic community or not on this or any other matter Rajiva has been working on with the VCs? When does he genuinely intend to consult the university academic community on this draft act he is preparing? What has he already included from FUTA’s suggestions in his draft for a new Act. ?
Did FUTA call for a boycott of an event to celebrate Lakshman Kadirgamar? Isn’t Rajiva saying a lie? Why would a politician go to university for such an event politicizing it?
Rajiva is suggesting that the FUTA did not appropriately bring to your notice allegations against Kshnaika. But how could they when the cat was already out of the bag as Rajiva has been from the beginning defending Kshanika even having a press conference with her and even conducting it on behalf of her? He seemed to be convinced from the beginning that Kshnika was innocent.
When you say FUTA brought in pressure on the cabinet minister to demand the resignation of Kshanika and he invoked the name of the President you are making several allegations. One, is that FUTA did not have grounds to ask for Kshnika’s removal. For that FUTA should respond. The other, is that Minister Hashim took up the President’s name in vain. If there is a cabinet minister for the subject what is his authority?
What Rajiva has to consider is, if they did, why FUTA had to go over his head. That is because Rajiva acted partial to Kshanika and snubbed FUTA from the beginning.
Except technically, the President did not delegate authority to Rajiva Wijesinghe as such as he claims. It is upon Chandrika’s request that he was appointed the state minister of higher education. So, Rajiva is Chandrika’s appointee to look after higher education, on behalf of whom? It was she who appointed Tara De Mel as Secretary Education under her regime. Whose interests did Tara look after then? And whose interest Rajiva is set to look after now?
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pran / February 22, 2015
How can Rajiv say that. Kshanika Hirimburegama openly carried water for MR, there was no single meeting that she started without saying saving grace, or How great the president MARA was. Not a single meeting, she starts without praising him. So go figure the amount of pressure she was in. Rajiv and Kshanika are family friends. She has lied to no clue Rajiv or he too is knowingly aiding her. She gave admission to a student based on Namal’s letter. Whether she is qualified or she had humane reasons is a different matter. But the process is a process and that kid has passed all that time to ask for a appeals. That it self disqualifies her. That is only one of her sins. Sitting over her husbands VC appointment vote process was another, then she sent her deputy in her place to vote for him. Rajiv lies when ever it fits him. What do you expect he is DJ’s other half.
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Dr Selvaragavan / February 22, 2015
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF MISUSE OF POWER AND ALLEGATION OF UGC CHAIRPERSON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Registrar of Eastern University had informed the UGC by his letter dated 12th January 2015, that the period of the current Vice Chancellor ends of 12th February 2015. This is in accordance with the E-Code. Chapter III, section 18:13:2 reads as “ It is the duty of the Secretary of the Commission, Registrar of the University or an open university / Secretary of a University College to satisfy himself that an appointment is in order and to advise the appointing authority of the position”. The Registrar had done his duty and informed the UGC to take action for acting arrangements until a VC is appointed from 13th February 2015 onwards. If there were any concerns the UGC had all the time to communicate to the Registrar until he left on 31st January 2015. It is murky that the UGC sends clarification to a subsequent query from the Actg Registrar on 5th February 2015 by fax on 9th quoting section 3:8 of the E-Code. Very unprofessional and I would go beyond to consider it as inefficiency and malpractice. (however the administration has kept this a secret not divulging it to the Teachers Association)
A letter was sent by the UGC chairperson Prof K Hirimburegama to the Eastern University CLARIFYING the date of end of term on 9th February 2015( the date of her Resignation). It stated that the date of assumption of duties would be 4th March 2015, as per section 3:8 of the E Code. ( section 3:8 of the E-code: Section 3:8 states, “The effective date of an appointment or promotion will be the date specified in the letter of appointment or the date on which the person first assumes the duties of his new post whichever is the later….”). Little do they realize that this is an appointment by the President, effective from the date of appointment ( 13th February 2012) to a defined period of three years as per section 34(i) of the University Act.
The appointment of the University Grants Commission or the Vice Chancellor is not spelt out in the Establishment Code,; states in the First para 1:1 in effect, that the commission shall be appointed by the President under section2(1) AND 4(1) ; it does not speak of the appointment of the Vice Chancellor at all. Thus the regulations laid there may not be directly applicable to these positions as they are governed by the act and the appointing authority being the President of the Country. If not, the following questions would become relevant;
1. Was any formal letter ( as required under 3:18:14 of the E-Code) given to the Vice Chancellor at the assumption of duties indicating his duties, responsibilities as done to academic staff under the E-Code?
2. Was he subject to medical examination within a year from appointment( Chapter III, section 19:1-19:5)?
3. Was his assumption of duties letter sent to the appointing authority as practiced in the other cases?
None of this had been done and thus treating of this appointment as different to Academic Staff appointment is important. The section quoted by the UGC Chairperson is also thus irrelevant to the case. The date of appointment by the President is the only important factor which is 13th February 2012. The date of termination is determined irrespective of the date of assumption of duty as 12th February 2015.
The E code also have the following which had been ignored by the UGC in reference to the Eastern University………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
There are other cases in the system that had utilised the date of appointment as reference for end of term of Vice Chancellor, even when they had assumed duties after the date of appointment. Prof Shanmugalingam was appointed as VC of University of Jaffna on 17th December 2007 and assumed duties on 28th December 2007 and on completion of his term he was appointed acting VC on 16th December 2010(not December 27,2010) . Prof Vasanthy Arasaratnam was appointed VC of University of Jaffna on 28th March 2011 and assumed duties on April 1, 2011 and when she completed her term of three years she was appointed Acting VC from 27th March 2014 (not March 30, 2014). This was during the period of Prof Kshanika Hirimburegama as the Chairperson of UGC, giving the Actg VC appointment to Prof Vasanthy Arasaratnam. How could she now state that the term of a VC ends three years from the date of assumption of duties? This is misuse of power and corruption on one hand, incompetency on the other that cumulatively had caused the disintegration of the University system at large.
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Sensible Citizen / February 21, 2015
Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe doesn’t look like an Administrator, he simply doesn’t have the skills. He probably is a good professor if his past students say so. He has poor listening skills and jumps into attack anyone who doesn’t agree with him. Ideally the government should get rid of him. He can be given a suitable position where he doesn’t have to manage educated and civilized groups.
He is responsible for the politicization through his behaviour. He is a big distraction to the government and their 100 day program. Nipping it in the bud and deal with him is the best course for the cabinet.
In the candidate selection process for the upcoming election Government need to filter these type of characters in addition to thugs and criminals or field them and make them lose
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Park / February 21, 2015
Rajiva, if you are honestly interested in Yaha Palanaya and getting the country out of the dumps Rajapakse put it, you should forget about your EGO and work for the country. Otherwise BOW OUT. You, like Dayan are only interested in yourselves and you think there is no one else in this world like you to be a Sri Lankan Politician. Bull. You do not have a single vote but you are still a State Minister, what else do you want.
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Viveka_Kandy / February 21, 2015
I think Rajiva being politician should not poke his hand on how University administers are selected. They have the right to elect, ask for resignation for the corrupt or unsuitable leaders in the system as they see fit. That is their right, and what right Rajiva has to meddle in that. It has its own drawbacks but they have a democratic system to elect their administrative officials. MARA meddled in that. It is conflict of interest from the begining when UGC chairman his wife holds the key votes to elect Colombo VC, and even if she recused her self one of her junior officers will replace her. During MR time, her under officers are biased towards her, since she is her boss. Rajiva and Hirimburagama are personal friends. He has conflict of interest to getRajiva is executing DJ agenda to sink Ranil. He doesn’t deserve this post. How many votes his party delivered to Maithree? Big fat = 0. He is a national list MP. We CT readers know where his loyalties lied, with MARA and GOTA. I wouldnt be surprised if he voted for MARA while being with Maithree. Maithrees Most of the votes came from UNP and broken SLFPers, JVP, JHU. TNA. His one man party that can deliver only one vote, getting or demanding a cabinet post is the joke of the century. I wish this guy leaves the coalition and jon MARA soon so that we can fill that post with an able person. This guy judgment is clouded with conflict of interest.
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gaje / February 21, 2015
OK, young man, I am sure you would read every post since you are the author!
Why did you not protest when FUTA was campaigning for MY3′? You should have protested saying FUTA HAS no right to be politically active. You are playing the ‘politicizing’ card only after you sat on the other side? Shame on your old school! Don’t behave like GL!!!!
Let me put some more questions to you! I hope you will answer them!
1. When Kshanika was first appointed, did Prof Lakshman get 18 votes in the council while Kshanika was last! Did MARA overlook tradition to appoint this person based on party affiliations linked to Chamal and banana tissue culture cultivation in Hambantota? You were a MARA supporter then! Leave alone protesting, did you wince at this point of time? Basically she got in first through an underhand deal and so did many other appointees through her influence including the hubby!
2. Did she interfere with affiliated VC s to influence academics to vote? EG Kelaniya, Jaffna and Jayawardenapura? What is her accountability? Are you not going to appoint a committee to inquire and leave her out of the position for the time being?
3. Were certain files burnt in the UGC soon after election? Any inquiries?
4. Was Kumara the most eligible applicant? What was the process? Was she involved in the appointment? Was there a conflict of interest?
5. Why was the Colombo Dean’s post not confirmed?
6. Why was Prof Mandika Wijeratne’s (for the post of Prof of Surgery) plea not entertained by Kshanika? Didn’t MARA directions to rectify the anomaly not adhered to?
7. What happened to Prof Mohan de Silva who obtained the highest number votes for the post of VC at Jayawardenapura. Did Kshanika have an underhand role in appointing a person with a minimum number of votes?
8. Many posts Kshanika has suppressed in the University system while ridiculing the post of ‘chair’ publicly? There should be records of her public statements.
9. The number of violations from her seat are innumerable! FUTA probably has more details!
Remember FUTA as a trade union has the right to protest about impunity! I as a person can do it as well.
Where is the transparency of Yahapalanaya? Do you think we took it as a joke when we supported MY3 and voted him in? Do you think you have the power to veto FUTA? If you think so you will last only 100 days (maybe less)
finally: strong MARA supporters told me that your father SAM W and Prof. Sannasgala, Kshanika’s father were good friends! Finally I need an answer to another allegation by strong MARA supporters: I.e. Daham Sirisena MY3’s son and Kshanka’s son were classmates at Royal. Is there any influence on that score??
OK if you want to be fair, terminate her position send her back to the lab, and hold an inquiry/s. Then only we as individuals or FUTA as an Organization believe you do understand what transparency and Yahapalanaya means!
If not: you do not deserve to hold this post nor be a member of parliament even on a ticket, unless uncle Ranil bails you out! I hope we don’t have to chant Subha Anagathayak in the future any more??.
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Viveka_Kandy / February 22, 2015
Well said sir!! She was putting her hand in every university around the country and was denying the rights of every suitable person. Looks like now she is saying it is MARAs doing. MARA doesn’t know head from tail inside the university. She is the one who knows who these academics are. Rajiva is mistaken that now we would leave the fate of yaha palanaya in the hands of ilk of him and DJ. Soon people need to start to protest to oust Rajiv from his ministerial post for sabotaging justice.
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Jabberwocky / February 22, 2015
gaje – this guy (Tweedledum to Dayan’s Tweedledee) will never answer your questions as he is a coward and a fake Liberal. He timed his jump off the MR bandwagon and is now trying to reap his ‘reward’.
He needs to be shown the door.
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Jim softy / February 21, 2015
FUTA has become a political organization and that is absolutely true. Now, they want their person to be the UGC person so that, he or she always be partial to the FUTA people. That is absolutely wrong.
The govt has also appointed a Muslim guy as the higher education minister that is also wrong. The simple reason is he does not know the majority sri lankans needs.
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K.A Sumanasekera / February 22, 2015
What is going on here !!!!
Has Rajiva got fleas?..
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Wera / February 22, 2015
The request made to Prof. Hirimburegama to quit came from the cabinet minister of Education. Not from the PM. So the accusation that FUTA went to the PM who then issued orders over the head of the minister is untrue. What is also true is that FUTA is a trade union and therefore entitled to take actions such as this which are in the interest of its members who have been the victims of arbitrary actions by the chair of the UGC. The only transgression committed was that Prof. Rajiva Wijesinghe was not informed or consulted. There must be a reason as to why. Is it because of the close personal connections between Prof. Rajiva and Prof. Hirimburegama made the likely hood that Prof. Rajiva would take any action to get rid of Prof. Hirimburemgama be nullified? Prof. Rajiva also talks about proper procedures. What procedure did the thug family who created this mess follow when they appointed sycophants and then used them to bark orders? If this government created to clean up the mess in 100 days waits for procedures then it will take till dooms day to cleanup the mess. It is a non starter and a stupid or maliceous stand to take.
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Jim softy / February 22, 2015
I don’t think why UGC chairman/woman position has to be decided by academic. It is a bureaucratic position. So, the govt can appoint any one who has basic qualifications.
Why it has to be a history professor who studied European history and teaches in Sri lanka ?
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Dr Lionel Bopage / February 22, 2015
What did Rajiva, who was a Minister of the last regime do, when the then authorities flouted almost all criteria relating to merit in appointing university administrators? He probably was too busy washing the regime’s dirty linen, which he seemed to do 24/7. As the new state minister, what initiatives he has and or intends to take to re-introduce merit based appointment of university administrators?
By the way, FUTA has been conducting its own political campaigns for educational rights much before Rajiva joined the opposition, which he did just before the last presidential elections. FUTA has discussed issues relating to the political landscape in Sri Lanka for higher education and the implications of certain economic and fiscal policies that had been adopted while proposing major changes to higher education policy.
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Navin / February 22, 2015
Why does the Government of Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremasinghe need to mollycoddle Rajiva Wijesinghe? To me as an outsider to do so looks extraordinarily stupid. Has he wormed his way into the path of MS and RW like he did into Chandrika’s and Mahinda’s? Is he relying on the laurels of his father Sam, just like his friend Dayan Jayatilleka does on his father’s laurels?
As a Minister what he has displayed up to now is a lack of flair for putting together a group of people to work together. The only ‘assets’ he has are his predisposition to prevaricate and an irritating Oxfordish accent.
What he has displayed however is his determination to sink his claws on the power that goes with a Ministry.
To get an idea as to how his convoluted mind works please read his last two dozen articles that were published in the Colombo Telegraph.
He is not even of any use to bring political strength to the Government. The average Sri Lankan disposition is allergic to his inclination to drool at the feet of authority, an adjunct of which is to back stab at the opportune moment. Politically he is only a liability. More so, his loyalty to the Government is open to question due to his closeness to Dayan Jayatilleke, the Government’s sworn enemy.
It will be in everyone’s interest, certainly in the interest of education, to please let him go.
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Down to Earth / February 22, 2015
The reality of the matter is that both the Deputy Ministers and Non-Cabinet Ministers are ornamental figures. For a Deputy Minister of a Minister of Cabinet Rank (there are no Deputy Ministers for Non Cabinet Ministers) to be effectively functional, some of the subjects and functions of the Cabinet minister must be delegated by the Minister in terms of the constitution and gazetted. In case of a Non-Cabinet Minister, the President too may assign some subjects and functions and in addition a Minister of Cabinet Rank delegating subjects and functions. So it is manifestly clear that if the so called state minister can be bypassed then the justification for the existence of the same is questionable because his role is ornamental.
It appears that some consultant must be testing his theory of creating ministries with widely differing subjects. Eg: Highways with Higher Education? Are they combined merely because both subjects start with the letter H? It is understandable, say higher education be a part of education.
In the above circumstance why have State Ministers and Deputy Ministers? Simply have about 45 Cabinet Ministers and be damned with it. The state must get on with its work instead of infighting.
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Gaje / February 22, 2015
Jim softy is typical wimal weerawansa style racist! Kabir Hasheem is a Sri Lankan and entitled to rights of a Sri Lankan. I suppose Jiim Softy is an angicized ‘sudda’ and you have no right to be a sinhala on your own terms! You are trying to capitalize on the criticism of Rajiv by the MY3 people to get tangential support for MaRa and WW group!
Shame on you: you opportunist!
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Dr Selvaragavan / February 22, 2015
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF MISUSE OF POWER BY THE UGC CHAIRPERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Registrar of Eastern University had informed the UGC by his letter dated 12th January 2015, that the period of the current Vice Chancellor ends of 12th February 2015. This is in accordance with the E-Code. Chapter III, section 18:13:2 reads as “ It is the duty of the Secretary of the Commission, Registrar of the University or an open university / Secretary of a University College to satisfy himself that an appointment is in order and to advise the appointing authority of the position”. The Registrar had done his duty and informed the UGC to take action for acting arrangements until a VC is appointed from 13th February 2015 onwards. If there were any concerns the UGC had all the time to communicate to the Registrar until he left on 31st January 2015. It is murky that the UGC sends clarification to a subsequent query from the Actg Registrar on 5th February 2015 by fax on 9th quoting section 3:8 of the E-Code. Very unprofessional and I would go beyond to consider it as inefficiency and malpractice. (however the administration has kept this a secret not divulging it to the Teachers Association)
A letter was sent by the UGC chairperson Prof K Hirimburegama to the Eastern University CLARIFYING the date of end of term on 9th February 2015( the date of her Resignation). It stated that the date of assumption of duties would be 4th March 2015, as per section 3:8 of the E Code. ( section 3:8 of the E-code: Section 3:8 states, “The effective date of an appointment or promotion will be the date specified in the letter of appointment or the date on which the person first assumes the duties of his new post whichever is the later….”). Little do they realize that this is an appointment by the President, effective from the date of appointment ( 13th February 2012) to a defined period of three years as per section 34(i) of the University Act.
The appointment of the University Grants Commission or the Vice Chancellor is not spelt out in the Establishment Code,; states in the First para 1:1 in effect, that the commission shall be appointed by the President under section2(1) AND 4(1) ; it does not speak of the appointment of the Vice Chancellor at all. Thus the regulations laid there may not be directly applicable to these positions as they are governed by the act and the appointing authority being the President of the Country. If not, the following questions would become relevant;
1. Was any formal letter ( as required under 3:18:14 of the E-Code) given to the Vice Chancellor at the assumption of duties indicating his duties, responsibilities as done to academic staff under the E-Code?
2. Was he subject to medical examination within a year from appointment( Chapter III, section 19:1-19:5)?
3. Was his assumption of duties letter sent to the appointing authority as practiced in the other cases?
None of this had been done and thus treating of this appointment as different to Academic Staff appointment is important. The section quoted by the UGC Chairperson is also thus irrelevant to the case. The date of appointment by the President is the only important factor which is 13th February 2012. The date of termination is determined irrespective of the date of assumption of duty as 12th February 2015.
The E code also have the following which had been ignored by the UGC in reference to the Eastern University………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
There are other cases in the system that had utilised the date of appointment as reference for end of term of Vice Chancellor, even when they had assumed duties after the date of appointment. Prof Shanmugalingam was appointed as VC of University of Jaffna on 17th December 2007 and assumed duties on 28th December 2007 and on completion of his term he was appointed acting VC on 16th December 2010(not December 27,2010) . Prof Vasanthy Arasaratnam was appointed VC of University of Jaffna on 28th March 2011 and assumed duties on April 1, 2011 and when she completed her term of three years she was appointed Acting VC from 27th March 2014 (not March 30, 2014). This was during the period of Prof Kshanika Hirimburegama as the Chairperson of UGC, giving the Actg VC appointment to Prof Vasanthy Arasaratnam. How could she now state that the term of a VC ends three years from the date of assumption of duties? This is misuse of power and corruption on one hand, incompetency on the other that cumulatively had caused the disintegration of the University system at large.
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SriLankan / February 23, 2015
Reading thru all of the above saddens me.
Why do we have to waste so much time stating the obvious, stuff known to all for a long time, repeatedly
Viz. Hirimburegamas are incompetent, dishonest, untrustworthy, not transparent, not accountable, political suckers…….’ who have planted similar types in key positions during their tenure.
When do we rid ourselves of this curse? We thought it happened automatically on the 8th of Jan 2015. Not really!
They found another queer, distorted character in the form of a state minister to hang on to and waste every ones time.
I blame the President for allowing this kind of thing to continue. He was elected to clear up this shit. Nothing less, nothing more. Is he relaxing now? Come on, get things moving at least now. This country cannot waste any more time on such straightforward matters.
Let’s STOP messing up education. This is sacred. Let us put this right without delay.
We need to have the entire set up viz. UGC, VCs, Councils changed. If we don’t have the right people here, let’s import at least a few from whom we need to relearn how to function independently in a transparent accountable way.
This is plea.
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disgusted academic / February 23, 2015
The Hirimburegamas should be fined, imprisoned and sacked from the university
The Woman has reported back to the University today- why accept her back?
Is she worthy of any academic post in these hallowed halls
When hearing all about their misdeeds in the University system – they are a shameless couple who should now commit suicide….they deserve nothing less!
We must also ensure that such crap would NEVER RETURN
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE BAD SMELL TO GO?
The state Minister who is under their spell possibly should join them and let us get on with our job!
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samuel / February 23, 2015
Rajiva is not fit to be a minister. Its time you realize and start packing your bags. Now the SLFPers are coming time for you to go along with Hirimburegama’s. you have said some where that you are preparing the new University act, what do you know about universities. Your one man party manifesto says that politicians should not appoint VC and the Council, but you say you would suggest name for the council, isn’t it interference, you talk non sense. Please get out , you were threatening to resign, no one took you seriously. If you resign PM and the govt. will be happy. And we all will be happy. Why don’t you get loss
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Fired up / February 24, 2015
Agreed. This Rajiva W is in the same class as the Hirimburegamas.
He has clearly stated that he cannot function as it is and would resign unless he is made a cabinet minister.
So what? He was not and is never going to be anything(but another political joker).
Why is he not sticking to his words and getting off?
That is the man! Educated?. NOT a man of his words. Poor example to education, let alone higher education.
Go home man. Do not waste our time.
Please advise Kshanika to take her hubby along on sabbatical so that Colombo University can be decontaminated and resuscitated. Join Kshanika H on her sabbatical at the Carlton, Tangalle. Hope you never return to anything.
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