Dean refutes Anandasangaree's statement

JAFFNA: Professor R. Kumaravadivel, Dean, Faculty of Science and a nominee for the post of Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna has refuted TULF leader V. Anandasangaree's statement calling him an ardent supporter of the LTTE.

Professor Kumaravadivel replying to the statement, said he has never been involved in any politics at any level, local or national.

Prof. Kumaravadivel's reply to the TULF chief's statement which appeared yesterday:

"This refers to the news item in the print and online editions of the Daily News of March 17, under the headline 'Anandasangaree deplores TNA stand on Hoole'.

In this report Anandasangaree is reported to have said that 'The students have been asked to back Mr. Kumaravel, a politician and ardent supporter of the LTTE and its campaigner too. How can a Tiger be appointed as the Vice Chancellor of a University run by the Government?'

I was one of the three nominees for the post of Vice Chancellor sent by the Council of the University of Jaffna to the UGC and I was the oldest and most experienced in University administration among the nominees.

It appears that based on my academic and administrative experience in Sri Lankan Universities, the UGC recommended my name to the President for appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna.

My name went up to the President as a nominee for the post of Vice Chancellor in 2000 and 2003. I have never been involved in any politics at any level, local or national, leave alone acting as a campaigner for anybody.

Even though my name has been mentioned as Kumaravel in the news item, there will not be any doubt in the minds of the readers that it refers to me.

Anandasangaree does not even know me. He has caused damage to my name and reputation by his statement either through mistaken identity or through ignorance based on wrong information given by others."