JVP dissidents complain of discrimination against former suspended u’grads

March 26, 2012, 12:07 pm , The Island.


by Dasun Edirisinghe

More than 60 undergraduates of the Sri Jayewardenepura University yesterday blamed the university administration for delaying Mahapola and Bursary payments to them during the last two years.

Representative to the Students Council Ven. Kumbullewe Chandaloka thera said that 67 students from the Management, Arts and Applied Sciences faculties had not received Mahapola or bursary payments for varying periods.

"When we make inquiries from the university administrators, they dodge the issue," he said.

Chandaloka thera said that some students from rural areas were in dire financial straits as a result.

Those students had been suspended a few years back, but university administration itself lifted the suspension orders later, he said.

JVP dissidents’ students council member said that when they complained to the Mahapola Trust Fund it said the university administration had yet to send letters confirming the lifting of the suspension to the fund.

"This is the examination period and they would launch a protest against this delay in paying Mahapola and Bursary to those students after completing the examinations," Chandaloka thera warned.

Undergraduates receive Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 2,000 monthly as Mahapola and Bursary payment respectively.