Don’t interfere in my work: Rajiva

17 February 2015 05:49 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Higher Education State Minister Rajiva Wijesinghe said today that he should be allowed to work without interference and if the UGC Chairman had to be removed it should have been done after a proper inquiry into the charges levelled against her and not for politically motivated reasons.

He said the policy of the current Government was to take action against an individual after a formal investigation under the common law of the country and not to remove a person from his or her post in an arbitrary manner like the previous government had done.

At a ceremony at the Open University Regional Centre in Polgolla, Kandy last morning the state minister pointed out that he should be allowed to function without interference and that he should have been informed of any decision being taken with regard to the University Grants Commission.

“I have told Minister Kabir Hashim to resolve the concerns faced by the UGC, but to no avail. I have informed the President as well. The allegations against the UGC chairman should have been properly investigated and not done in any politically motivated manner. I have instructed the relevant authorities to investigate the disbursement of funds especially regarding excessive spending at the South-Eastern University and also complained to the Bribery Commission about it.

However, problems will crop up if the Higher Education Ministry takes decisions without my knowledge. Now the UGC is in a crisis and the members are not attending its meetings. If one is responsible for a fraud it should be established through a legal process,” the state minister said. (J.A.L. Jayasinghe)

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Comments - 16

rohantha Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:02 AM

Ah!!! finally this guy has found his voice thanks to Yahapalanaya.. When MAhinda was in Power have you ever heard of him putting chest forward talk.

Cheers Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:53 AM

This statement clearly explains the actions of the UNP who are famous for political revenge on people and they have already done in many institutions and have lost credibility of good governance under Maithree

PETERJAYA Wednesday, 18 February 2015 02:52 AM

Well said. We cannot go back to the dark days of the past regime.

DR RIFAI Wednesday, 18 February 2015 03:16 AM

Political interference has made a mess in our university system, Not only UGC but politics interfered in all universities in Sri Lanka, appointment of CV, UGC chairman, even appointment of academic and non-academic staff have has been influenced by politics in Sri Lanka. we all know how C Vs have been appointed by the discretion of President to meet his political gains in the past. As a result of most qualified persons are dismissed. it is reported that UGC chairman was politically appointed at the expense of some senior academics. in that case, , Prof Rajiva Wijesinghe should take firm action against this. of course, through legal mechanism.

Rdf Wednesday, 18 February 2015 05:54 AM

Did she not resign her post. And state minister you should sort your issues in a more. Professional manner than going public about your concerns. It seems like you are dis satisfied of being a mere state minister and hence showing it in the most unprofessional manner.

ARF Wednesday, 18 February 2015 06:17 AM

Get some result first then you can complain about being interfered with..

ananda Wednesday, 18 February 2015 06:37 AM

Does he have that thing called public opinion I think he is a political passenger on any party Vehicle

aney Wednesday, 18 February 2015 06:44 AM

God bless higher education . Ask the University dons they will tell you about Rajiva . How many vote can he get .Better to push hi out . After 90 days who will give him a seat .

Colin Athuraliya Wednesday, 18 February 2015 09:14 AM

Please let him to do his job to protect higher education in Sri Lanka which has allmostruined

Banda Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:34 PM

Agree that, should be removed after proper procedure . The appointment of this lady and her spouse by former regime was widely contested. This Guy knows it very well. He should have initiated the inquiry instead of sleeping over it and give lame excuses. Another Prof like disgrace Prof GLP. note suitable for politics. Go back to your academic world and friends like Dayan and talk nonsenses

Sam Samarasinghe Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:40 PM

She has admitted that she gave orders to relevant University Authority to admit a student that has not been admitted due to lack of enough marks, to the Karapitiya faculty. That is enough for her to resign or be sacked. Yahapalanaya cannot be an excuse to safeguard wrong doing big shots. Rajiv should understand why pervious regime was toppled.

simple mind Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:40 PM

Oh yes many a time in respect of the LLRC and at the time CJ impeachment

upali Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:43 PM

Rohantha, you are absolutely correct! Now the guy talks big, but as you said, all the conscience etc. he talks about must have been in his pocket those days!

rajinski Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:56 PM

Rdf correct comment you have submitted, he tried to do the same with MR and got no where. now guy trying the same manner because he is dis satisfied of being state minister.

iemerald Wednesday, 18 February 2015 01:02 PM

if any member of cabinet can not follow procedures and take action arbitrarily then the cretin politician should be removed and a competent person appointed. period

brainmaster Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:18 AM

Be patient and open for compromisses. The previous Government has left the educational sector in a mess. Now you have to set things right ! The students are in need.

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Don’t interfere in my work: Rajiva

Comments - 16

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