A higher diploma student has filed a compensation suit against the University of Colombo, claiming examination malpractices resulted in unfair grading. A district judge has summoned the Vice Chancellor and seven senior officials to appear in court next month.
A student enrolled in the University of Colombo's Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management has initiated legal proceedings against the institution, alleging systematic irregularities in examination conduct and grading. Sanath Kumara Athukorala is seeking Rs. 5 million in damages, according to reports citing the Lankadeepa newspaper.
Nugegoda District Judge R.A.N. Rajapaksha has issued summons requiring the Vice Chancellor and seven senior faculty and administrative officials to appear in court on September 10. The judge specifically raised concerns about how students who initially failed certain examinations were subsequently marked as passed without undergoing a re-examination, requesting explanations from the summoned officials.
Athukorala alleges that a lecturer in two subjects demanded payment of Rs. 80,000, which he declined, after which his academic treatment deteriorated. He claims the same lecturer assigned him low marks unfairly and disclosed examination questions to other students. In another course, Athukorala contends that Rs. 3,500 was collected from each student for a group project, yet full marks were awarded to all participants regardless of their actual contributions.
The student maintains that despite filing complaints with the university administration and the Bribery Commission, no satisfactory investigation or response has been provided. He asserts that the institution awarded degrees to students who had failed, constituting fraudulent practice. The case will proceed to hearing on September 10, when the summoned officials are expected to present their responses before the court.