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US NGO slashes funds to two Jaffna schools pending audited accounts
View(s):In an unprecedented move, the USA-based Trustees of Jaffna College Funds (TJCF) have slashed finances to the renowned Jaffna College in Vaddukoddai and Uduvil Girls’ College, consequent to the schools’ alleged failure to submit audited accounts for 2015. The TJCF has reduced funding for the two schools by 20% of the budgeted grant in Q1 of 2017.
Bishop of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India, Rev Daniel Thiagarajah, Chairs the Boards of both schools. TJCF is a public charity based in Boston, Massachusetts, and provides funds to the schools.
In a letter to Rev Thiagarajah last week, TJCF President, Rev Richard H. Huleatt, states that, “There has been minimal or no compliance with financial reporting from Jaffna College and Uduvil Girls’ College, and neither school has submitted audited financial statements for 2015,” he claims. He also expresses concern about governance practices of both Colleges, saying their Boards are overpopulated with “members of the same circle”.
Rev Thiagarajah called the letter a “very high-handed act”. “Our lawyers are preparing a response,” he said via telephone from Cochin, India, where he is attending Synod Session of the Church of South India. Among the counsel is Attorney-at-Law and Jaffna District MP M.A. Sumanthiran.
“I don’t want to stoop to their (TJCF) level,” Rev Thiagarajah continued. “Someone with vested interest has done this. They are factually incorrect and we are contemplating legal action. Our lawyers are drawing up a defamation case.” He said he would make the lawyers’ response public after it is drafted.
Jaffna College is a private school in Vaddukoddai, founded in 1871 as a successor to the Batticaloa Seminary established by American missionaries. Uduvil Girls’ College was founded in 1820 by American missionaries and is one of the country’s oldest schools.
Nevertheless, both institutions have had problems in the recent past, much of it concentrated on Uduvil Girls’ College. Last year, students, parents and alumni protested against the “forced retirement” of its Principal, Shiranee Mills. The demonstrators were later attacked by groups opposed to their position.
The TJCF President, in his letter, has called violence against and intimidation of students “shocking”. The Trustees have now insisted on major changes in governance and financial reporting for each College. These include independent audits of finances and internal controls; prudent and open nominations for persons to serve as directors; appointment of qualified officers and teachers; disclosure of related party transactions; avoidance of cronyism and nepotism; and regular meetings of Boards and Committees, followed by public reports of deliberations and decisions.
The letter has been circulated among 19 others, including Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran, which Rev Thiagarajah was heavily critical of, saying the other parties were not connected with either College. The Trustees have asked for the 2015 audited accounts and a report on how the respective Boards will implement proposed reforms by March 15, 2017. If these are not submitted, “We may reduce our payment for Q2 of 2017,” they warn.