Sri Lanka: Challenges Implementing International Human Rights & Accountability For Human Rights’ Violations
March 16, 2013
“Sri Lanka: Challenges Implementing International Human Rights & Accountability for Human Rights’ Violations”Speakers: Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (Centre for Policy Alternatices, Sri Lanka), Prof. Steven Ratner (University of Michigan Law School)
Chair: Sharry Aiken (Queen’s University Law School)
With introductions by Prof. François Tanguay-Renaud (Osgoode/Nathanson Centre) and John Argue (Amnesty International Canada)
Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013
Location: Osgoode, IKB 1014
Location: Osgoode, IKB 1014
The Collapse Of Institutions
Professor. Savitri Goonesekere
Some weeks ago the post of Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo was advertised. The advertisement was impressive. It outlined the very high standards of excellence that prospective candidates should satisfy. Applicants were being considered for the post of chief academic and administrative officer of what is expected to be an autonomous and non-political institution, entrusted with responsibility for achieving excellence in university education and research.
A few days ago, after the closing date for applications, it was rumored that there were only three applicants for this post. One is a professor with recognized academic credentials and a good research record. He has also proven administrative capacity as a Dean of a Faculty and is known to be a senior academic who has dealt effectively with student issues during a turbulent period. The other two applicants are reported to be Senior Lecturers Grade II, the lowest post in the state university system regulated by the Universities Act 1978. It is alleged that both do not possess the academic qualifications required for promotion to the immediately higher grade of Senior Lecturer Grade I in the state university system. One of the Senior Lecturer applicants is now known to be the spouse of the former Vice Chancellor and recently appointed Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, Professor Hirimburegama. It is alleged that he is 61 years old, four years short of the age of retirement, and yet holding the lowest post in the university system.
Rumours floating around in the university community have focused on how and why two applicants whose credentials do not conform with the high standards of excellence in academic scholarship, administration, and leadership, outlined in the advertisement, had applied for this high post. There was speculation that prospects of political decision-making had discouraged several qualified senior professors from applying for the post. Media reports prior to the Council meeting only drew attention to the aspect of conflict of interest, if the spouse of the former Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo, and current Chairperson of the UGC, was a nominee of the Council for the post. Surprisingly, statements on this issue in the press by the Law Faculty Union and FUTA did not adequately focus on the key issue – were the two Grade 2 Senior Lecturers qualified candidates for the post in terms of the public advertisement?
