Human Rights Commission recommends action against Peradeniya Professor

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has ruled that disciplinary action be taken against the Acting Head of the Archeology Department of the University of Peradeniya, Prof Ananda Jayawickrema of the University of Peradeniya for violating the rights of another professor of the same department.

The ruling has been given by the Chairman of the Commission, L.T.B. Dehideniya, a former Supreme Court judge and Commission member Nimal G. Punchihewa.

The petition had been filed by Prof M.W.C.N.K. Rambukwella, Chair Professor of the Archeology Department who had been prevented from attending an international conference organized by an Indian University by Prof Jayawickrema deliberately delaying approval to take part in the event held last month.

The International conference has been organized by the Mohanlal Sukhadia University in the State of Rajasthan, India to be held from February 2 to February 5 and Prof Rambukwella was due to Chair the event.

Besides, Prof Jayawickrema, the petitioner Prof Rambukwella also cited Dr Prabath Ekanayake, Dean of the Arts Faculty of the University of Peradeniya, Prof M.D. Lamawansa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya and the Acting VC at that time, Prof Terrance Madhujith.

Prof Rambukwella had submitted her leave application for nine days through the online system on January 19 to the Head of the Department. That was well within the stipulated period.

The Human Rights Commission has found that due to a string of other delays and other administrative mistakes the leave could not be approved in time.

Accordingly, the Commission recommended that the disciplinary action be taken before March 23, 2024 and to inform the petitioner and the Commission about the progress.