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KDU under scrutiny

8 May 2023 10:49 am - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Questions have been raised why the Ministry of Defence fails to stop the administration of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and its affiliated hospital - the University Hospital of the Kotelawala Defence University (UH-KDU) from engaging in corrupt activities that have brought the reputation of the two institutions to the lowest level in its long-standing history.

Secretary Ministry of Defence Major General Kamal Gunaratne who heads the Board of Management (BoM) of the KDU has come under severe criticism for getting approvals through the BoM for any proposal brought by his one-time colleague the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris.

As a result, Gen Peiris is accused of purchasing costly medical equipment without following proper procurement guidelines, improper investiture of Professorships to Consultants who have joined KDU after retirement as fully-fledged professors and allowing certain academic staff members to violate the Establishment Code.

Although the UH-KDU is facing severe medicinal drug shortages and even has faced a situation where papers are not available to write prescriptions, Gen. Peiris is accused of spending millions of rupees to construct a large auditorium to hold convocations and also millions of Australian Dollars to obtain an Australian Accreditation to the University Hospital in a most dubious manner.

“The Committee of Public Enterprises (COPE) recently instructed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to propose required legal provisions to prevent titles of doctorates and professorships being misused by various institutions. Although the Chairman of the UGC is a member of the BoM, he has so far not raised his concern against Gen. Peiris for these improper investitures at KDU.

KDU Under Scrutiny
 
Questions have been raised why the Ministry of Defence fails to stop the administration of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and its affiliated hospital - the University Hospital of the Kotelawala Defence University (UH-KDU) from engaging in corrupt activities that have brought the reputation of the two institutions to the lowest level in its long-standing history.
 
Secretary Ministry of Defence Major General Kamal Gunaratne who heads the Board of Management (BoM) of the KDU has come under severe criticism for getting approvals through the BoM for any proposal brought by his one-time colleague the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris.
 
As a result, Gen Peiris is accused of purchasing costly medical equipment without following proper procurement guidelines, improper investiture of Professorships to Consultants who have joined KDU after retirement as fully-fledged professors and allowing certain academic staff members to violate the Establishment Code.
 
Although the UH-KDU is facing severe medicinal drug shortages and even has faced a situation where papers are not available to write prescriptions, Gen. Peiris is accused of spending millions of rupees to construct a large auditorium to hold convocations and also millions of Australian Dollars to obtain an Australian Accreditation to the University Hospital in a most dubious manner.
 
“The Committee of Public Enterprises (COPE) recently instructed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to propose required legal provisions to prevent titles of doctorates and professorships being misused by various institutions. Although the Chairman of the UGC is a member of the BoM, he has so far not raised his concern against Gen. Peiris for these improper investitures at KDU.(Nirmala Kannangara)

  Comments - 20

  • Dhusana Monday, 08 May 2023 11:17 AM

    Secretary Ministry of Defence Gen. Kamal Gunaratna well knows that he would not remain in that position for long. Hence he doesn't care for any irregular things he would be doing as long as it is done and his name is perpetuated in the Institution. This is the norm in all other Institutions too.

    Farieze Monday, 08 May 2023 02:40 PM

    Gota friend

    Love LK Monday, 08 May 2023 01:12 PM

    Oh my dear ..This is not new go and find all other universities to see what they do ? In fact go and see all other government departments many officials are crooks and making money out of this office and jobs..what can we do to stop corruption and fraud and bribe in Sri Lanka..I hope president has learned some thing about it ...do what former Singaporean PM did ..He put is foreign minister in jail for his corruption till we do that we will never get rid of fraud in Sri Lanka ..punish some top officials so that no one dare to do it ..start with some ministsrs and yet will Ranil do it ..No way he can do it ...if the President is fancy of helping fraud what can we expect from him ?

    Punchi Monday, 08 May 2023 01:29 PM

    It is un patriotic to complain on the state of these institutions. All monetary and other resources are required to build and protect Buddhist temples in the North of our country to bring the benefits of Buddhism to those who live there

    Ameena Monday, 08 May 2023 02:35 PM

    Retired Consultant from SJGH who joined KDU medical faculty made a Professor , he has no suitable qualifications.This type of actions reduce the quality of institute and its degrees. He was controversial figure even at SJGH.

    harshana Monday, 08 May 2023 03:40 PM

    Defence and military strategy is being taught to students by fake civilian war expert professors and academics in this defence university. The first of its kind in the world among defence universities.

    Rayan Monday, 08 May 2023 03:46 PM

    Yes, when deciding to run the institute successfully, some may see a few are suspicious as they do not look closely. When investing money in a university those look like costly decisions but the real benefits come with the time. However, KDU provides medical treatment free of charge which is nice and the cost of the medical tests is also with low price tags- ppl who got the treatment know-

    Andare Monday, 08 May 2023 05:26 PM

    LOVE LK, you are suggesting that Ranil do what former Singapore PM did in that country. If such a thing is to happen in Sri Lanka, Ranil must first send himself into prison for involvement in the CB Bond Scam.

    Love LK Monday, 08 May 2023 06:31 PM

    Andare ..You are 100% .. Poor Sri Lankans are caught between all these political mafia and we do need a Magna Carta in Sri Lanka too to free people from all these Lords and elite political thugs and mafia.. politics got wrong in Sri Lanka for the last 75 years and it will take another 100 year to repair it or amend it or change ...at in three generations times

    Ranil Monday, 08 May 2023 09:49 PM

    Even bus Gemunu can become a professor at KDU. One time someone was given marks for dancing while applying to become a professor nothing to do with professorship. The VC,BOM, Registrar office violate every single ugc circular, establishment code at KDU. VC and registrar personally decides who gets professorships at KDU. Ugc chairman Samapath doesnt do anything as he is also in their pockets. KDu should be governed by ugc

    Malshantha Monday, 08 May 2023 10:01 PM

    Kdu gave pHD to Jayanath Colombage. Man doesn’t even know what his thesis about. Copies , plagiarized work.

    Nihal alhakoon Monday, 08 May 2023 10:06 PM

    At KDU they organize functions, evn if VC farts. They outsourced everything thing to their friends and steal public money. Kdu must be investigated for corruption and bribery.

    Patriotic Soldier Tuesday, 09 May 2023 08:22 AM

    There is no doubt that , Kamal Gunaratne is not a suitable officer to hold all important Defence Secretary's position. He helped former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse during the Presidential elections by indulging in communal/racial politics in 2019 and Defence Secretary's position was the gratification. These incompetent individuals who are driving the institutions, under them to almost 'point of no return' should be replaced. Otherwise Sri Lankans will never be able to recover and develop this beautiful country.

    KDU Hospital User From Moratuwa Tuesday, 09 May 2023 11:05 AM

    Unfortunately these are allegations from unnamed sources and therefore I would strongly recommend an audit from the auditor general's department to find the truth as soon as possible. I say this because we are from the area and people from Moratuwa to Mount Lavinia, Pliyandala, Kottawa, Kesbewa and even as far away as Horana use this hospital as the service quality is quite good and relatively affordable. This is as per my personal experience. Furthermore, Kalubowila Hospital by car is another 30 minutes away. That is why it is important that an audit is performed and any perpetrators of injustice or corruption, whether it is the accused or even the accuser, should be speedily brought to justice, at least for the sake of the patients.

    Father Tuesday, 09 May 2023 03:53 PM

    UHKDU is so sarcasm institution, BOM do not take care of hospital staff, only provide less facilities and less salary scales even they are degree holders. Only think about forces personnel, but staff is energetic young crowd, they assist patients as they can.

    MG Wednesday, 10 May 2023 10:00 AM

    As a medical officer, who worked as a medical officer at Kotelawala Defense University, I would like to comment on recent false news regarding the university. The article claimed that there were numerous cases of corruption, drug shortages at the university hospital, improper purchases, and improper professorships and doctorates being awarded. I can confidently say that these allegations are baseless and untrue. The Kotelawala Defense University is a reputable institution that offers excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including medicine, engineering, management, and law. The university has a hospital that provides medical services to both military personnel and civilians. Under the leadership of Major General Milinda Peiris, the university has become a recognized and respected institution both nationally and internationally. His efforts have contributed significantly to the university's success, and I have personally witnessed improvements.

    SSW Friday, 12 May 2023 08:01 PM

    What Should Vice Chancellor should do give an explanation to the Public about what has happened if this is false allegations. He cannot hold the position if he don't.

    SSW Saturday, 13 May 2023 05:20 AM

    The Vice-Chancellor should give a statement on this to the Public if he is not guilty. If he doesn't clear these allegations he is not suitable to be in VC position

    Sam Thursday, 18 May 2023 08:13 AM

    What ever said or done KDU still strong

    TSW Wednesday, 24 May 2023 02:48 PM

    It is pathetic to see these type of so called media personnel who sling mud on other people without proper evidence but just on rumors or on words spread by some people who worked in KDU and could not get what they wanted from the VC. If you have any such allegations, first thing you should have done is to file a complaint and ask the for an audit. Have you done that? Did you contact either General Peiris or Gunaratne for their explanations? What evidence do you have on this? I am sure you have not done any of those but just believe what you hear. I have worked there so I know how keen General Peiris on developing the facilities. All the purchases are done according to government protocols and on advice by expert committees. So there is no way he can do just what he wants. Yes, he loves go for most advance technology and equipments because that is the way forward when you think of future. Read how professors are appointed in a university and by whom, before you write.


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