HRCSL directs Royal College to rectify wrong prefects’ appointments

16 March 2024 01:11 pm - 52 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, March 16 (Daily Mirror) - The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has directed Royal College, Colombo 7 to rectify the alleged wrong appointments made to the Prefects Council for 2024.

The Human Rights Commission made this direction following seven complaints filed by students of Royal College who claimed their rights were violated by the appointments of prefects for the year 2024.

They cited the Principal of Royal College and Director - National Schools and the Minister of Education and copies of the complaints had been sent to the Education Ministry Secretary, the Minister of the Education and the Presidential Investigation Commission.

The HRCSL headed by Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya inquired into the initial complaints on Friday (March 15) and examined the appointment criteria of two randomly taken prefect appointments and two that were rejected.

The commission observed irregularities and failures in following the required criteria of those two appointed as Royal College prefects. The Commission has also found that two of those qualified to be appointed as prefects had been denied their places.

Having gone through the initial inquiry, the HRCSL has directed the school representative who was present at the Commission, to rectify the wrong appointments and reach a settlement with regard to the complaints made by the group of students.

The Commission has directed that if the school fails to settle the issue, a full inquiry by summoning the parties including the principal will be continued. The inquiry was postponed for March 20.

Filing complaints before the HRCSL, seven students had stated that there are various criteria to be followed when members for the 80-member Prefects Council are appointed every year. These included excellence in education, extracurricular activities, participation at various clubs and societies and attendance.

However, the appointment last week of some of the prefects had not followed these proper criteria and even several students who had allegedly brought disrepute to the College have been appointed, the complainants claimed.

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Comments - 52

L Jaya Saturday, 16 March 2024 01:31 PM

Never heard of such complaints in the past students going to HRCSL to resolve disputes. The corruption is rooted to every corner of the society. What a country is this. GOD BLESS SL

Legend Saturday, 16 March 2024 05:47 PM

God has written off SL. SL is in freefall. This news item reflects how far corruption and cronyism has got entrenched in SL. It has become their lifestyle; through evolution got embeded in their genes. They are beyond the point of no return. Enjoy while it lasts. A recent news item showed the SLns are one of the most happiest in the world. Of course the corrupt will be happy. Isn't it? Like the band that played when the Titanic went down SLns are also happily going down. SL will become a legend.

DD Sunday, 17 March 2024 12:31 PM

Ah, it seems like these seven students are taking "Disce Aut Discede" quite literally! Instead of departing, they're teaching the administration a lesson in sticking to the rules. Who knew the Prefects Council could become a battleground for justice and righteousness? It's like they're rewriting the school motto to "Learn, Rectify, Excel." High five to my boys!

Very Unroyal Saturday, 16 March 2024 01:32 PM

This is a disgrace. A full impartial inquiry needs to be carried out. Don't make your prefect council a minor version of the Sri Lankan cabinet headed by Mr. Unclean.

HRCSL taking into account negative of misbehavour or didn't check up about it at all Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:34 AM

HRCSL is blunt instrument in this case. It's a bit obtuse to look strictly on the matter based on paper. Surely there is more involved than paper credentials, like good beahviour and other more important criteria.

B. M. L.. R. Mendis Sunday, 17 March 2024 11:15 AM

Very truly said. Should sack everyone even if the Principal is involved. Proud of those students who stood up for their rights. Never forget “They kept thy fame inviolate “.

Deepest Sympathies Saturday, 16 March 2024 01:44 PM

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is a good for nothing establishment which is the same as the International Human Rights Commission. The HRCSL is a coward establishment like the Sri Lanka Police that solves such pity little issues and ignore much more serious issues pertaining to the loss of human lives. The HCRSL is a joke like the illegally appointed IGP conducting raids and operations and becoming a joke in the country. The HRCSL has much more serious issues on their table to solve and they turn a blind eye to all that. It is a big joke that they are intervening to solve prefect selection issues in schools for the tax monies people pay.

M H D S Dharshanapriya Saturday, 16 March 2024 09:55 PM

My Deepest Sympathies to this ‘DEEPEST SYMPATHIES’ can anyone explain what is the institution who can listen to this grievance other than HRCSL ? HRCSL there for resolve any kind of breach, violation of human rights. We, ourselves or any other person or persons cannot determine what should be taken or not taken by HRCSL. The complain has been made and HRCSL should act upon it. If it is a matter of life saving or to safeguard injustice is not a case for HRCSL. If the complain is subjectively of human rights, how corrupt or not HRCSL is the one to examine it and take action towards solving the issue.

TRAVELLER Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:55 PM

M H D S Dharshanapriya You seem to have missed the point and that shows your literacy level. This comment is about HRCSL has much more important cases in their hands that aren't solved so soon instead they are dragged for a long time and some cases such as missing persons and murders have taken decades and yet not attended to. The comment is about people faking their jobs and not being since and you are talking nonsense without understanding the theme. Very sad.

Sokrates Saturday, 16 March 2024 02:10 PM

The prefect system that emerged in England in the Victorian era is now obsolete, completely outdated and violates human rights. It must not be the case that students take on the tasks of teachers and educators. Monitoring, disciplining, and possibly bullying younger students is not the job of students who have not been trained and qualified for such tasks.

E Sarath Saturday, 16 March 2024 02:10 PM

Of late Royal College has stooped down to low levels. It seems that things are done in an ad-hoc manner. Should the college authorities continue to play the fool and favour few students as regards to selection of prefects, morale of high flying students, no doubt will go down. In the past, there were also stories of parents casting aspersions of students being enlisted from far away villages through the back door against the government direction.

Jude Fernando Saturday, 16 March 2024 02:38 PM

Shame. Why can't the Principal ensure that students with good and proper credentials are given their due privilege. Why get external and legal bodies involved?

Lalith wickramaratne Saturday, 16 March 2024 02:56 PM

Yes it was rumoured that matara Rahula college same thing happened.

Nimal Saturday, 16 March 2024 03:14 PM

Now even the schools are facing HRCSL. The place is becoming unliveable by the day. There is no system pr process at all for anything.

Zee Zee Saturday, 16 March 2024 03:47 PM

Corruption has seeped to this level is painful and an eye opener. Pray this will be the last.

roobarbie Saturday, 16 March 2024 04:12 PM

Royal, yuck! Look at one produced by Royal, an unelected president that is abusing the people in this country with his corrupt and armed police state!

wsw Saturday, 16 March 2024 05:13 PM

So why didn't you propose some one else to take over when the nation was down on it's knees following the rebellion?

Peace loving bhudist Saturday, 16 March 2024 04:38 PM

The whole board should be lined up and shot at sunrise for this gross violation of human rights .

Citizen2023 Saturday, 16 March 2024 05:07 PM

With Ranil's backing Sabry is using his ministerial position to get involved in matters which have no relation to his ministry. From Alan's comment above, Sabry's son was not considered for prefectship as he appeared to have misbehaved and has acted as chandiya using his father's position. Hence the Royal college has taken the correct decision. The college Old Boys Assn should intervene and hold good the decision of the College. Besides, why HRCSL should involve in such petty matters? They should concentrate on trying to solve pressing issues in their hands right now.

Ranga Saturday, 16 March 2024 06:36 PM

prefect lol World has moved on and Sri Lanka still stuck in 1950' s I think

Lucky Saturday, 16 March 2024 06:37 PM

The new Royal Principal has to be held accountable for all the dirt that is being flung around this great Institute of almost 200 years. This is such a sad state of affairs when a man who is ignorant of the traditions, the culture. and the history of a College is put in charge of the school.

GERIATRIC ROYALIST PRIVATE SECTOR RETIREE. Saturday, 16 March 2024 09:45 PM

This is NOT new; In 1960's it happened that 'high powered' parents' children were appointed Prefects BUT we never complained. There was NO HRC at that time. Moreover, in the Private Sector we are denied complaining to HRCSL - We have to refer our matters to Labour Commissioner. That means we are NOT 'first-class' citizenry in SL.

Mark Shapiro Saturday, 16 March 2024 11:19 PM

Standards are worsening at Royal. Most Royal old boys are admitting their sons to St. Thomas' Mount or International schools.

Gonsaalis Godabanda from Maradana Sunday, 17 March 2024 12:32 AM

We reluctantly accepted the situation thosedays, due to the fear of challenging such favoritism, despite excelling in other areas and being overlooked. It was evident that only those from Colombo 7, along with the cricketers, rugby players and the boxers were chosen as prefects. The school's standards declined significantly after the passing of our beloved DP, Mr. Gunasekera. If I had a son, I wouldn't dare to enroll him in my alma mater. Also, it's disheartening and angering to witness a former, witty Royalist, who sure would survive a tsunami, now aged, indulging in drinking at the match, boasting about the 18% VAT he imposed, to the cheers of many idiots around. This VAT has adversely affected many industries especially for me the most affected are the construction and real estate industries, which has burdened public with 18% VAT, another Cess Tax of 3%, a Stamp duty if 4%, if you purchase an apartment. Despite, the money to be spent in buying a house is not accounted fr Income

Nagarajah Manoharan (Mano) Sunday, 17 March 2024 01:25 AM

As an old boy of the school in 1955 and now living in New Zealand although I am 80 years of age, I feel ashamed for the principal to permit this to happen in my school which had a high reputation in those days. Mano - Hamilton New Zealand

Full aathal Sunday, 17 March 2024 02:12 AM

Most of the Royal college students although they claim to be Royalists doesn't know proper English language, neither grammar nor spoken English. Its a big disgrace, pls look into this prior to all other issues.

Youhavegottabekidding Monday, 18 March 2024 08:23 AM

These so-called Royalists are those who got into the school through the grade 5 scholarship program. But they act like their entire lineage were Royalists - English however is atrocious.

dotv Monday, 18 March 2024 08:42 AM

Speaking correct English did it make all British honorable Men when they invaded the world to form an Empire ? .Will conversing in English make people not seek privilege to get things done ? I am trying to understand this trend of thought ...from a global perception and a student side of the situation ...only if they knew English indeed !

Clifton Sunday, 17 March 2024 04:05 AM

Favouritism among teachers has always been a problem in this school

Gokula Siripathiarachchi Sunday, 17 March 2024 05:06 AM

Who cares...SL should get rid of this obsession with big schools and the networks of power and affluence they create. There should be an equal playing field where everyone is selected on their merit as opposed to which school they attended

M Fernando Sunday, 17 March 2024 05:27 AM

Does this mean we can now take we Wrong Presidential Appointments to the HRCSL .. or complain to Royal College about to the quality of it's presidents ? Seems they would be willing to listen ?

Upali De Soyza Sunday, 17 March 2024 05:32 AM

Doesn’t this speak a lot of the current Principal,?Deputies and the teachers. What a shame. This comes following the Rs17.2 million fraud committed by some RCU members upon the College. - so called Old Royalists. Come on Ranil, Mr President the old Royalist please help to clear up this mess.

Disgruntled Sunday, 17 March 2024 05:58 AM

Not only Royal most International schools also do the same. Money talks I suppose.

Naman Sunday, 17 March 2024 07:40 AM

Any injustices done need to be rectified. Well done HRCSL. Who is going to rectify the wrongful appointment of IGP by Constitutional Council? Royal College needs to remain Secular as well.

Noel Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:16 AM

It's good that the issues of writes are discussed and consensus arrived at in a democratic manner, but out side the race issue. These schools are the seed beds of our future leaders so let's create leaders who understands values of Wisdom, Compassion and courage.

Sudda Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:19 AM

Why not close down Royal, the grooming centre for corrupt politicians? Royal has lost it reputation

wsw Sunday, 17 March 2024 09:37 PM

Excellent solution, wise head, why not consider running for presidency?

Nimal Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:20 AM

When we consider how alienated this pin president is from the common people of this nation, and implementing a reign of terror, we can realize the sad situation that has fallen on this country. Let us correct it as soon as possible.

Shukri Yusuf Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:31 AM

Ha Ha Ha! Learnt of Books and Learnt of Men and Learnt to play the game.Mere words.OBA silent???

Excellence in education does not make for good Prefects Sunday, 17 March 2024 08:32 AM

It is about time society realised Excellence in Education does not make for good Prefects. Royal College has to update it's criteria to exclude Excellence in Education as selection criteria and problem solved. Anyway, Royal College is good for it's old boys but students outside don't respect that school, but rather prefer their school as much better than the it.

Right in front of the God Sunday, 17 March 2024 09:12 AM

The same thing happens in a leading girls school in Panadura as well. The OGA members are the most powerful yet, most corrupted. They keep scratching each other's back for their own advantage. The principal is also on their lap. The authorities must investigate how the funds being used and how the new students were admitted to the school.

Asoka Goonawardena Sunday, 17 March 2024 09:25 AM

This is a joke , It appears that basics are not taught or followed at a so called premier Education Institution like Royal college. Is this what Education has come to and the disciplines followed . So pathetic hear this kind of thing is happening now

Ranjan Sunday, 17 March 2024 10:23 AM

Who cares about the appointments of prefects there at Royal College when our poor people don't have the way of getting a proper meal and health care

mnsmart Sunday, 17 March 2024 12:09 PM

Check whether those who got elected through the back door are Diyawanna cubs

Thalakotuwa Gardens Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:00 PM

International schools in Colombo accolade their children with many positions i.e. Prefectships and leaderships, targeting to send them overseas uni.s. A do re mi pha so la ti playing novice child of a white teacher on piano would be the Music Club President when there are other children with Grade 8 music exam qualifications. This country is totally a farce.

Joseph Marsh Sunday, 17 March 2024 03:56 PM

Not sure what the backdrop of this is.. Royal college prefects also have to have character, and of good moral conduct ..not just excel in everything they do .. ticking the boxes was never an automatic qualification.. if all this was disregarded then the appointments should be annulled and re vetted

Disciplinarian Sunday, 17 March 2024 05:28 PM

A disgrace to the principal , staff ,students and parents.

Yasa Jayawardene Monday, 18 March 2024 02:31 AM

I am curious about this story. How can a non-governmental organisation -- The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) -- give DIRECTIONS to a national education institution?

Elitism rules (or should I say illictism rules) Monday, 18 March 2024 04:39 PM

These "two" prefects must be from the "elite" group.

Ranil Tuesday, 19 March 2024 12:01 AM

Sad to read comments from folks blaming the institution for the lack of moral leadership when that fault rest with school officials. Whatever government touches will turn to crap. These type of irregularities, discriminations, nepotism and racism is prevalent in most schools. Kudos to those students and parents for taking action.

ANNECUNT Tuesday, 19 March 2024 06:35 PM

Boring life at HLCSL nothing useful to do just drinking tea and watching Phonography

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HRCSL directs Royal College to rectify wrong prefects’ appointments

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