By: Staff Writer
July 24, Colombo (LNW): Financial and administrative mismanagement in Sri Lanka’s state universities has come under sharp scrutiny, with the government intensifying efforts to enforce accountability across higher education institutions. The spotlight is currently on Sabaragamuwa University following alarming findings revealed in the Auditor General’s 2023 report. This is part of a broader push by authorities to ensure that universities, heavily funded by public money, uphold transparency and good governance.
The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), chaired by MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, convened on 4 June to examine the financial performance and management practices at Sabaragamuwa University. Following serious irregularities, COPE recommended forming an independent committee to probe allegations of corruption and mismanagement, clearly stating that no current university governing body member should be part of the inquiry.
Among the serious issues discussed was the tragic suicide of second-year student Charith Dilshan, which raised concerns over lapses in student welfare. The university’s disciplinary officer was reportedly unaware of a New Year festival approved without proper procedure, which is suspected to have contributed to the incident. COPE has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.
Additional revelations included the unauthorized removal of 500 cubic metres of soil from university property in 2022, allegedly at the request of a local government member. Despite the administration later admitting the approval was improper, a police complaint was lodged only two years later. COPE also highlighted structural defects and poor maintenance of the university’s Rs. 123 million sports complex, along with irregularities in payments and project oversight in construction projects, including an unclaimed performance bond linked to a failed library project, resulting in a Rs. 28.8 million loss.
Responding to COPE’s recommendations, the Ministry of Education has appointed a four-member independent committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Vijith K. Malalgoda. The panel is tasked with reviewing procurement practices, financial reporting, staff appointments, and overall administrative functions at Sabaragamuwa University within two months. Members include Prof. Gamini Senanayake, W.M.C. Bandara, and UGC auditor Hasanthi Pathirana.
Meanwhile, the University of Colombo is also under audit scrutiny. It was found that a private company, established using Faculty of Science staff in 2013 without proper approval, failed to submit audited financial statements. Additionally, a lack of royalty provisions has resulted in negligible income to the university despite nearly a decade of operations. Incomplete and abandoned research projects worth over Rs. 17 million and unutilized designated funds totaling Rs. 117.9 million were also highlighted in the audit.
In response, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) expressed support for fair and constructive investigations, emphasizing that public funds must be used responsibly. However, FUTA warned against turning such probes into tools to undermine academic communities. Dr. Anuruddha Karunaratne noted that while systemic lapses may exist, most academic staff have acted in good faith and within their capabilities.
Sri Lanka’s state university system, governed by the University Grants Commission, consists of 17 institutions. Despite a structured governance model, operational inefficiencies persist due to funding constraints and bureaucratic overlaps, reinforcing the need for reform-focused oversight.
