This is the truth about I admitting a student to the university on Namal's letter - Kshanika Hirimburegama

This is the truth about I admitting a student to the university on Namal's letter - Kshanika Hirimburegama

Professor Kshanika Hirimburegama, former Chairman of University Grants Commission who is supposed to be a

relative of ex-President decided to vacate her post amidst recent protests. Expressing her ideas to a weekend newspaper she has responded to a number of allegations against her.

The Professor was subjected to criticism regarding an application which contained a reference where Namal Rajapaksa's name was mentioned about granting permission for admission to the Ruhuna Campus to a female student residing in Yakkatuwa area, Karandeniya. The clarification she had made in this respect to a newspaper is as follows.

"The University Grants Commission receives a large number of appeals from various people. Regarding that appeal referred to, a letter from a Secretary of parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa too was appended. It was sent to the former Minister. The former Minister too has made a note on it and forwarded it to the relevant unit. There's nothing so special about it. There are so many letters that are received with appeals made with notes on them by Ministers and other parliamentarians. Those were seen even during the past regime. Those come even during this government. Even now we are receiving them. Those that come to the relevant unit are investigated and if they are something where the request could be complied with, then they are given to the Commission. Permission granted to requests made across appeals is not a sole decision of mine. It must be approved by the Commission. Whether it is sent with a letter attached from somebody or not, if it is something that should be granted, it will be granted by the Commission. Because a Rajapaksa name has got involved, mud is being slung at me for sometime by keeping on repeating this. But even when more powerful people than parliamentarian Namal were unable to do something was sent to me, I have rejected those and sent letters. I rejected those which could not be done with the hope of even leaving this position. Just as much as that request made from me, I am not going to tell the media about the reply I gave. When the voters make various requests to a person who is appointed by a vote of the public, they write to us asking us to accede to their request if possible. That is something that is done to satisfy their voter. Even if there is no letter from someone, if the request is legal, we grant it. I have not granted a request if it is outside the law even if it sent with a letter attached by someone. If someone is to make an allegation that I have destroyed the autonomy of the University Grants Commission, he should forward reasons for it.

When I became the Chairman, I did not take into account the political Party of those who were appointed to the committee. In the same way, if at all somebody did a wrong thing, I took action irrespective of colour or Party. I did no wrong. Neither did I allow anybody to do anything wrong. It is some people who were displeased with such a principle of mine who make these complaints. Is it because I did not leave room for wrongdoings that they say that I have destroyed the independence of this institution? I am a government employee. It is my responsibility to put into motion the principles of the government".

Notes on discussion -- Palitha Senanayaka - Divaina)

Letter which created the sensation, from BELOW