July 15, Colombo (LNW): An independent four-member committee has been established to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative lapses at Sabaragamuwa University, following directives issued by the Committee on Public Enterprises (CoPE).
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training announced the formation of the inquiry team, which is expected to present its findings within two months.
The committee, convened by Secretary to the Ministry, Nalaka Kaluwawa, reflects the government’s response to mounting concerns over governance issues at the institution. These concerns were initially flagged during CoPE sessions, which called for a formal inquiry into how public funds and university resources were being managed.
Heading the investigation is retired Supreme Court Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda, whose legal expertise is expected to lend considerable weight to the inquiry process. He is joined by Professor Gamini Senanayake, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna; W.M.C. Bandara, previously an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of State Resources and Enterprise Development; and Hasanthi Pathirana, Assistant Internal Auditor of the University Grants Commission, who will serve as the committee’s convener.
The scope of the investigation includes examining procurement processes, financial reporting systems, staff appointments, and other administrative procedures that may have deviated from standard regulatory frameworks.
The committee is also expected to recommend reforms to improve governance and transparency at the university level.
