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Rajiva challenges removal from Trinity College Board
View(s):Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha has petitioned the District Court of Colombo, seeking it to nullify a decision taken by the Trinity College Board of Governors to remove him from the board. Prof. Wijesinha cited Rt. Rev Bishop Shantha Francis, Chairman of the Board, Chandana Munasinghe and 11 other board members as respondents.
In his petition, he said he had been a member of the Board, ceased to be a member in 2012, as his term had expired, but was re-appointed by the nomination of the 11th respondent Rt Rev Bishop Dhiloraj Canagasabey.
He claimed he had resisted several irregularities committed by board members. He said he was totally against the retaining of Colonel Ariyaratne as the acting Principal of Trinity College, as he felt he did not have necessary qualifications to hold that post. Prof. Wijesinha charged that the first respondent had coaxed some Board members to vote for his removal at a meeting held in September 2013. He said only eight members voted for his removal, which was insufficient, according to the constitution of the Board.
He said he was not granted an opportunity to defend himself. Prof. Wijesinha urged the court to issue an order preventing the respondents from obstructing him in the performance of his duties as a board member, until his term lapses, or is lawfully removed. He is claiming Rs 5 million as damages. ,