A higher diploma student has filed a compensation case against University of Colombo officials, alleging examination malpractices including unfair marking, bribery demands, and the unexplained passing of previously failed students.
A student from the University of Colombo has initiated legal proceedings before the Nugegoda District Court seeking Rs. 5 million in compensation from the institution's administration. Sanath Kumara Athukorala, who enrolled in a higher diploma programme in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management for the 2022/2023 academic year, claims he experienced serious irregularities during his second semester of study.
According to the complaint filed through lawyer Danosha Perera, Athukorala alleges that he was initially declared to have failed two subjects but was subsequently informed of passing grades without any re-examination being conducted. He questions how this reversal occurred and states the university has not provided adequate explanation for the change in results. The case names multiple officials including lecturers, department heads, and both the former and current Vice Chancellors, along with the Attorney General.
Athukorala's allegations include serious accusations against teaching staff. He claims a lecturer demanded Rs. 80,000 through an intermediary, which he refused to pay. He further alleges that after refusing to accommodate the lecturer's husband during a May 2024 workshop, he received unfairly low marks and that examination questions were shared with other students beforehand. Regarding another subject, Athukorala claims Rs. 3,500 was collected from students for a group project, yet full marks were awarded regardless of individual participation levels.
The petitioner states that despite lodging complaints with the university administration and the Bribery Commission, investigations remain ongoing without resolution. He argues that the university's actions have caused him significant humiliation, wasted time and resources, and resulted in unjust outcomes that affected his academic record and standing among peers.
