Keerthi Tennakoon Executive director CaFFE/CHR-SL and recently removed from the university of Kelaniya

November 22, 2012

To the members of the university council via the vice chancellor

This is my response to the letter NAT/1, which I received on October 26, 2012.

I will not say that the letter informing me that I have been removed from the university was unexpected. However that does not mean I am less unhappy or less regretful that I will not be involved with an academic establishment that I have great respect for. When I joined the university in the early 1990s I was honored to serve in an establishment that continued the academic legacy of Walpola Rahula thero and Yakkaduwe Pagnarama thero, in my heart I still respect that great tradition.

I donƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t think anyone is unaware why I have been removed from the university, no matter how you try to convince the people that I have engaged in unethical activities or that I have deserted my post. However I am glad that even the heavily politicized University Council has realized that I have not violated the 1978 university act. Nevertheless it took the university administration four years, countless man hours and resources to realize this, and the numerous failed attempts to frame me has demonstrated to the citizens as well as international observers the level of politicization of our universities and the restrictions on academic freedom.

It is ironic that the same administration that cleared me from all charges decided to fire me on the same day based on the most absurd allegation. I am aware that the decision to remove me was not taken by you but by a higher political authority. You had no option but to validate their desire.

I am greatly saddened by this, since I am aware that the root for this is the politicization of the university system and the manipulation of the loopholes of the university act. Therefore I am neither resentful of the former vice chancellor who suspended me for a service extension nor with the university council who found me not guilty but removed me from my post. My anger is solely directed at the system that is making individuals choose between their conscience and their employment.

I am glad that I was continuously able to defeat all attempts to frame me for four years and the fact that I was able to preserve my dignity. I have continuously stood up for academic freedom and acceptance of alternative views while you have shown the world that you represent neither.

The whole nation is demanding democracy and acceptance of alternative views. However what saddens me the most is the present plight of establishments that ones cherished dissent. As a youth I have heard of the actions of past academics, how they stood up to the highest authority, how they protected students from repression though they were poles apart ideologically, etc and I often wonder what happened to that spirit.

I will fight against this injustice and I will strive to establish an environment where everyone can carry out his or her duties with dignity. My one and only request for you is to accept this letter under section III article 20:13 of the establishment code.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely

Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon

Executive director CaFFE/CHR-SL and recently removed from the university of Kelaniya

Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon
Director/CaFFE
Executive Director/CHR-Sri Lanka
100/19 A, Welikadawatta Road,
Rajagiriya,Sri Lanka.

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