‘Turmoil in the knowledge hub’ - a reply

July 9, 2012, 7:33 pm , the island

The article titled ‘Turmoil in the Knowledge Hub’ by Dr. Laksiri Fernando states that he had credible information that there was interference with the student lists selected for university admissions. It is indeed very sad to note that my learned teacher has got his facts wrong. As the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, I take full responsibility to state that there is absolutely no interference of any sort in the selection of students. The process is considered as one of the most sacred functions in the higher education system, and the officers responsible for this process maintain the highest level of integrity and honesty. We always ensure that truth and justice prevails in the selection process, and that all applicants are treated as equals and that there is equity in the process. It is ironic to note that those who do try to influence are often those who espouse higher ideals of democracy and academic freedom from the academic community itself.

I do not know who this credible source is, that divulged such incredible information to the writer, and it is indeed very sad to note that a senior academic has resorted to penning down such information without verification. As a senior academic who has stayed in the system through thick and thin and put the students and their education before personal aggrandisement, I take full responsibility for this statement and I have the facts to prove what I say.

The second statement is that there is a tug-of-war between the UGC and the Department of Examinations and that there is an apparent breakdown of confidence. I have to mention that each institution has its own roles and responsibilities that are very clearly delineated in the system. The two institutions mentioned here have always maintained a very good understanding of these roles and responsibilities and have respected each other’s functions. We have no tug-of-war. As any administrator is fully aware, there is a need to adhere to the procedures and protocols that govern the two institutions, as we are accountable to the general public. Hence, we continue to function with a very good understanding and have identified the common ground where collaboration is necessary in dealing with complex national issues - the intricacies of which, do not seem to be all that clear to the writer.

Professor Gamini Samaranayake,

Senior Professor/Chair,

Chairman of the University Grants Commission,

Colombo 7.