University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga says the Jaffna University War Memorial was removed by the University Vice Chancellor as it could hinder the unity of the South and North of the country.
He said that the decision was taken by the Vice Chancellor of the Jaffna University.
The memorial, according to media reports, was erected in 2019, to mark the 10th anniversary of the civil war.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Hindu Newspaper University Vice-Chancellor S. Srisatkunarajah said that the memorial was removed on the instructions of higher authorities.
“Since then (2019), authorities have been asking the university administration to remove the unauthorised structure. I received multiple instructions from higher authorities, and we discussed this at several meetings with the university’s capital works, engineering and maintenance departments,” said University Vice-Chancellor S. Srisatkunarajah, who assumed charge in August 2020.
Asked who the higher authorities were, he said: “Defence, Intelligence, Education Ministry, everyone. I am a civilian carrying out an administrative responsibility. Sometimes, I have to take decisions beyond my personal likes and dislikes,” he told The Hindu.
“So, I delegated the responsibility to the concerned departments about a month ago, giving no particular date. They have executed it, that is all, ” he said. (NewsWire)
UGC Chairman