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J'pura Varsity: 

Presidential Commission cites weak leadership of VC as cause

Weak leadership of the incumbent Vice Chancellor and his predecessor have contributed much to the violence at the Sri Jayawardenapura University, says the Presidential Commission appointed to probe into causes of incidents of violence with special reference to the serious incident of violence that occurred on September 24, 2003.

The Commission comprised R.B. Ranaraja (Chairman), D.Y. Liyanage and Lakshman Jayatilaka.

Commissioners point out that the incidents of violence on September 24, 2003 triggered off a group of first year students who led a delegation to the Vice Chancellor's office over the delay in paying Mahapola Scholarship grants. It was later revealed that the Acting Registrar of the University had failed to pay the grants in due time because he had deposited Mahapola Funds in a private bank to earn a commission. This is a matter worth inquiring into, say the Commissioners.

Commissioners also draw attention to the failure on the part of the Vice Chancellor to consult the Deans on major issues affecting the university, thus isolating himself.

"There is polarisation of the staff and students (Art Faculty) into groups supportive and opposed to the Vice Chancellor. Those students who are supportive of the Vice Chancellor, i.e. anti-ragging Samantha Padanama can act with impunity", says the report.

The Commission finds the conduct of the Vice Chancellor faulty and the Acting Registrar in leaving the University premises when a breach of peace was imminent on September 24, 2003. It criticises the Police for their failure to corporate with the academic staff to provide protection to students.

The Commissioners also make a startling revelation that outsiders were brought to the campus on September 24, 2003 to attack unarmed students.

It also finds fault with the management of the university for recruiting without proper procedures security personnel under political patronage. These security personnel were found later to be partison towards the Samantha Padanama which was supportive of the Vice Chancellor.

It also find fault with the Mirihana Police for not acting on complaints made by student victims who were assaulted by students supportive of the Vice Chancellor.

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