The General Students’ Union of the University of Colombo has formally requested President Anura Dissanayake to remove Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero from his position as Chancellor of the University. In a detailed letter sent to the President, the Union raised significant concerns about the Chancellor’s suitability for the role, citing a series of actions and historical appointments that they believe undermine the reputation and dignity of the University of Colombo.
The Union argued that the appointment of Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero to the prestigious position of Chancellor was based on narrow political considerations rather than qualifications or experience. They pointed out that previous Chancellors of the University had been selected for their scholarly, religious, or social contributions, and had upheld the honor and prestige of the University. In contrast, the Union claims that Ananda Thero’s appointment was politically motivated, following the then-president’s election campaign, rather than based on any academic or institutional merit.
The letter sent by the General Students’ Union to President Anura Dissanayake is as follows:
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President,
President’s Secretariat,
Colombo 01.
Mr. President,
We, the General Students’ Union of the University of Colombo, are writing to express our strong discontent regarding the appointment of Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero to the position of Chancellor of the University of Colombo. For some time now, there has been a growing sense of displeasure among the student community, as well as within the broader society, concerning his appointment.
The issue arises from the fact that the previous Chancellors of the University, who held this esteemed position, were appointed based on their vast experience and qualifications. They had an academic or religious background that reflected the values of the University and contributed positively to its growth. However, Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero’s appointment appears to have been made based on political considerations, particularly the support he lent to the then Head of State during their election campaign. This political favoritism undermines the role of Chancellor and has led to widespread concerns about the integrity of the position.
A key example of the current Chancellor’s actions that have further damaged the reputation of the University is his repeated refusal to attend several convocation ceremonies over the years. The Chancellor of the University is tasked with presiding over such significant events, where students receive their degrees—symbolizing the culmination of years of academic effort. His absence at these ceremonies not only reflects poorly on the position of Chancellor but also tarnishes the prestigious nature of the University of Colombo.
It is important to note that the Chancellor is not merely a titular position; it holds symbolic importance and reflects the dignity of the entire institution. The person holding this position is expected to represent the University at key events, uphold academic traditions, and maintain the University’s reputation. Unfortunately, Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero’s conduct has not aligned with these expectations.
To further emphasize the importance of the Chancellor’s role, it is relevant to look at the history of the position. From 1942 until 1981, the Head of State held the role of Chancellor. The appointment of Chancellors beyond this period was done with careful consideration of their contributions to society—such as Dr. P.R. Anthony and Archbishop Dr. Oswald Gomis—both of whom brought invaluable experience in the fields of education, religion, and social service. These leaders helped elevate the standing of the University, and their appointments reflected a deep commitment to the institution’s core values.
In contrast, Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero’s appointment has diminished the respect for the position, as it was perceived to be a politically motivated decision rather than one rooted in academic or institutional merit. His actions have further cemented the view that this appointment was nothing more than a political favor.
Given these concerns, we request that you, Mr. President, take appropriate action to remove Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero from the position of Chancellor of the University of Colombo and appoint someone more suitable—someone who can restore and protect the dignity and reputation of our esteemed institution. We believe it is essential to have a Chancellor who embodies the values of the University and can represent it with honor.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
General Students’ Union
University of Colombo
The letter emphasizes the importance of selecting a Chancellor who can enhance the reputation of the University of Colombo, maintain the honor of the institution, and contribute positively to the student body and society at large. The Union’s call for a more appropriate appointment reflects the growing dissatisfaction within the academic community regarding the current state of the University’s leadership.
