Ruhunu VC attacked

20 October 2010 03:30 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 90 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Vice Chancellor of the Ruhunu University Professor Susirith Mendis has reportedly been attacked by a group of university students this morning. A leading academic, Professor Mendis who is a Professor of Medicine and also the founder Director of the Staff Development Centre has received injuries on forehead as a result of the attack.

Prof. Mendis and a Senior student Advisor Saman Chandana, who was also injured in the attack, were rushed to the Matara hospital a short while ago. (SD, LP)

Pic by Krishan Jeewaka Jayarook

Comments - 90

TERRENCE B. DE SILVA Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:11 AM

"DISCE AUT DISCEDE"(L) (LEARN OR DEPART) SHOULD BE THE MOTTO AS AT ROYAL COLLEGE, COLOMBO & AT ALL SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES. ANY VIOLENCE OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY SHOULD BE SEVERELLY DEALT WITH; ESPECIALLY ASSUALTS AGAINST THE LEARNED HONOURABLE CHANCELLORS & VICE CHANCELLORS, & LECTURERS ACCORDING TO THE PREVAILING LAW AND THE MISCREANTS GIVEN DETERRENT PUNISHMENT AND IMMEDIATE EXPLUSION FROM THAT WORTHY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE,

3 4

Naomi Wednesday, 20 October 2010 10:12 AM

We all mainly Sri Lanakans and most of the subscribers to this pathetic news item are paying dearly for creating the "Tuition Culture" in the country. "Tuition Culture" creates hooligans and ruffians but not good students or scholars. Do not blame the government for every sin that the society has committed.

1 6

Kadar Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:47 AM

Even if you take Royal College there's a Student Union...
There should be a Student Union to take the matters (To report the lack of facilities, arrangements etc) to high officials. These student unions were appearing in media since long time back and reporting the lackings. But no one took actions to resolve their problems. That's why the students came to road to protest and demand.

Already our educational system is crap and out dated long time back...
When they came to road it became a political disadvantage for govt and they started mudding them and labelling JVP instead of finding the course root and addressing the issue.
There's no politics in this. Govt is trying to politizise this and blame JVP to overcome the tense situation.

7 2

Smart Aleck Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:47 AM

Polkichcha! Can you tell us about the Universities in the "Developed West" ? Do they only admit rich guys or do the poorer students do part time jobs to pay for their education?

2 4

nikita Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:46 AM

eliminate JVP then u are through

6 16

Lanka Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:45 AM

Improving higher education in Sri Lanka is every Sri Lankans responsibility not only the Ministry of HE. This is particularly true for students. They need to know how to get their issues across rather than being violent towards their own teachers and administrators. I see only a tiny minority with this gang culture and later they join the politicians. We all know a previous violent student leader is now a personal sec of a powerful minister!

1 5

rohana Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:41 AM

It is a shame to assault a university academic. In a country there is no discipline and no rule of law you cant expect more than this. He is one of the persons who paved the way to that situation during his dictator ruling at the ruhuna medical faculty for 9 years.

This person is best rememberd by Ruhuna medical students as one of the worst academics who punished students and taken revenge from them in numerous occasions. Outside world doesnt know his real picture. He is considered as a saint and a honoured academic. He deserved this treatment much earlier.

11 1

Tuan Wednesday, 20 October 2010 09:31 AM

A v.bad situation. All this is becos of free education these incident's will not happen if they had to pay for their higher education.

1 4

Ossan Salam - Doha Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:41 AM

Unions for educational institues? are they working or studying? what sorts of nonesense in our country unions for students????....better to spread this "disease" to other schools too and destroy our entire educational system

2 4

polkiccha Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:23 AM

ding dong.........bells.....did i hear death bells for the existing higher education system???

2 6

Kadar Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:20 AM

These students were demanding facilities not to implement any political agenda but to match the facilities of private universities emerging in SriLanka (These issues were prevailing in past and now it has turn to a missery since responsible failed to address the issues) Higher education ministry should try to improve the State owned universities to match the standards of private university degrees/world class degrees. These students fear about their Degree Standard which is a key factor in obtaining a job in a competitive job market. But unfortunately government is following a style of eradication. Government thinks they can follow the same strategy which they used to eradicate terrorism. This isn't anything about terrorism. This is about Education and future leaders' education. Government should go in detail to the University students problems and strike a balance with a mutual satisfaction instead labelling and mudding the students with the same politics

13 3

gayan Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:13 AM

Commenters are reppeating their samre slogan against JVP and student as usual in last two deays. They have no thinking power to analyses the incident and what are root cuses of this student unrest and political faliers.

10 3

asa Wednesday, 20 October 2010 10:20 AM

Change UNIVERSITY ACT AND ITS AMENDMENTS' relevant articles to give a THIRD-TERM to this brave VC ..
Get well soon..!
ALL DEVAS WILL BLESS AND PROTECT YOU .... VICE-CHANCELLOR!

1 5

Kadar Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:11 AM

To observe the problems of those under graduates you need to be in the spot. Don't make judgments being abroad Students were demanding facilities not to implement any political agenda but to match the facilities of private universities emerging in SriLanka. Higher education ministry should try to improve the State owned universities to match the standards of private university degrees/world class degrees. Students fear about their Degree Standard which is a key factor in obtaining a job in a competitive job market. But unfortunately govt is following a style of eradication. They think they can follow the same strategy which they used to eradicate terrorism. This isn't anything about terrorism. This is Education of future leaders. Govt should go in detail to the University students' problems and strike a balance with a mutual satisfaction instead labeling and mudding the students with the same politics.

15 4

basi Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:09 AM

Expenditure for education is very small in Sri Lanka compare to the other sectors. Even Bhutan, Bangladesh and India spend more than us behalf of Education. There were some incidents would happen in the University but all students were not liable for that. Sri Lanka is having highest literacy rate in south Asia and boasting about that. The free Education is reward for the bright students who come from poor families and villages. Free education has given more benefits to the society than damages. I am happy, if my tax goes to the Education other than the making of politicians rich

6 4

Pancha Wednesday, 20 October 2010 08:06 AM

Students???????????????????????????????

2 3

Chandimani Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:57 AM

Ruhuna Students did this action as the leadres produced from Ruhuna are also doing !!.

3 8

Anver Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:56 AM

Violence by students inspired by politics or otherwise is a sickness which must be eliminated for ever for the sake of our future generation.

1 6

basi Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:47 AM

That kind of things happened on the universities just because of hatred between the Rival Students union. Most of faculties have been controlled by Anthare Except medical faculties, Engineer faculties, Faculty of Law and Science faculties. Always they do against the opposition likewise, what government is doing to the Opposition now. SB is not mature enough to handle this situation. We have to find out the solution for our problem as a society, not only for university problem.

1 4

Avindra Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:37 AM

I think its high time action was taken against hooligans that behave in this manner. Assaulting their own teachers with a club shown the quality of these students. Its high time the UGC stopped selecting students to state universities based only on a cut of Z score. The admission criteria to universities should include asesment of attitudes and humane qualities,not just the ability to memorize some pages and vomit it out at A/L's to get a high Z score.

1 6

Ananda Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:36 AM

If these people would become a professor please don't appoint them to universities

3 6

Bird Eye Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:35 AM

It’s time to stop wasting our money on these universities, let’s build some private universities. Divert the funds for scholarships for poor children who are talented.

2 6

Managala Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:27 AM

We need to remove this menace from universities what kind of education is this are we making thugs or professionals only thing university should have is interest to invent lean research things and respect for teachers we need all politics removed from universities if not ultimately this free education system will stop because it can be proved that it is worthless spending public money at making thugs with this nature

2 6

Democract Wednesday, 20 October 2010 01:14 PM

This attack should be on who is a stupid politician.

1 0

USAGUY Friday, 22 October 2010 01:14 AM

Prof Mendis and I were class mates at Royal in the 60's. i wish him all the best. He has done so much for the education and this is what he gets in return. If he had immigrated to the west he would be treated with upmost respected and regard. Thuggery and hooliganism should be eradicated from all educational institutes. Here is one small advise.How about banning politics in colleges ? that will solve majority of the problems.

0 0

University Lecturer Thursday, 21 October 2010 02:52 AM

I do not agree with this idea. These protests are not connecteed with the facilities at Universities. They need to crate a environment which will help the third class polotical envionment presently developing in the society. We this experience during past two decaeds. If we carefully analyze the situation we will understand this. So try understand this correctly and help the administratores to eliminate this bull dogs from the Universities and allow the poor students complete thier studies without delay

0 0

voice Thursday, 21 October 2010 01:31 AM

ashamed to admit dat i'm a university student in SL. this kind of violence, specially against their own teacher by so called "students" is totally unacceptable. whole university system is corrupted by jvp based student unions. they do nothing bt brainwash innocent students.. BAN them & SACK them all, universities will be much more better places to study..

0 3

sahan Thursday, 21 October 2010 01:29 AM

Hey im also from UOR.. Its these JVP brainwashed pathetics who are engaged in these indecent activities...Dnt blame the whole uni..I strongly believe if jvp stay out of uni system in SL, these things are preventable.. Feel sory for d victims of jvp

0 2

chandana Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:49 PM

What U said is correct.He got revange from those poor medical students.In one occasion this arrogant professer suspend whole batch of medical students for two weeks. Now he is facing "Dittadamma vedaniya Karma" .

3 0

chandana Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:43 PM

I do agree with you as a royalist, But this professor who is also a old royalist harras students when he was the dean at medical faculty.Fortunately nothings happened during that time because medical students behave well when compaired to other university students.Here I'm not safeguarding the students.What I'm saying is both the students whoare having JVP backup & this proffesor are doing what they should not do. #Chandana

0 0

med student 2 Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:23 PM

i also agree with the comment made by medstudent. Im also from d facuty of medicine, UOR.. Prof Susirith Mendis has been a great teacher, and a most respected person in our fac..How did u even dare to touch him? u buggers are being brainwashed and used as a tool of jvp. so sad u ppl dnt understand it. Together as medical students we condemn this attack on our beloved teacher...

0 7

Jayatillaka Wednesday, 20 October 2010 02:20 PM

HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH SCHOLAR
SHIPS TO NEEDY STUDENTS

0 1

sam Wednesday, 20 October 2010 01:42 PM

send them angoda.why they choose to come university.i am living western country. i never see like that student here.they not opposite private university. i think world only one country opposite private universitis.only sri lanka.every year university rank go down.

0 1

Tuan Wednesday, 20 October 2010 01:31 PM

Good commet by the Medstudent...we as reader's would like to see more of these so that the public will get the exact picture as to what is really going on in the local uni's.

0 3

Above the crowd Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:23 AM

Education and the Universities have been messed up from Bad ur deen Mohammed"s time. Politics and Political appointments ruined the system.

2 9

sunil Rupasinghe Wednesday, 20 October 2010 01:00 PM

open more private universitis. close down kalanya university. bunch of thugs there too.

1 1

C. Ratnavadivel Wednesday, 20 October 2010 12:33 PM

Not only in this University, the V.Cs in all the Universities are responsible for this situation. I have been in the forefront of organizations which vehemently opposed barbaric ragging. These V.Cs never took any action to stop this barbarism. When a student enters university he is taught how to be barbaric the first day itself. So what do expect when they become seniors. Except in the rotten South Asian countries, this ragging is never heard of in civilized countries. The freshers are abused to the maximum in a country which says it is proud of its customs and traditions. Don't you know how the young girls sexually abused by others. These VCs are also to be blamed for this state of affairs. I am happy these so called academics are given this treatment.

4 0

acd Wednesday, 20 October 2010 12:30 PM

dont blame all ruhuna students , only part of them shud be reponsible fr this attack, mind ur word sir!!! we realy respect Mr susirith Mendis so if ur accusing all the its very early jugdment.

1 3

gona Wednesday, 20 October 2010 11:35 AM

University students seem to making the news all the time for all the wrong reasons. Time MR or BR took the matter in hand and dealt with these thugs, who seem to have the backing of corrupt opposition politicians.

0 1

Medstudent Wednesday, 20 October 2010 11:15 AM

Prof. Susirith Mendis is a prof of physiology and has an outstanding carrier more than 30 years as a teacher for medical students. and he was the dean of the faculty of medicine university of Ruhuna for 9 consecutive years. And he is the best ever teacher so far i met as a 4th year medical student. This JVP can't tolerate good hearted people. they are laying down a path to private medical colleges. what happen if all the teachers go abroad or to private universities? what are we gonna do here? that's how JVP destroy the free education by torturing the great personalities who deliver the glamor of free education. Beloved sir, we are with you!!!

1 16

polkiccha Wednesday, 20 October 2010 11:14 AM

I haven't been to the developed west myself but my brother the kottoruwa has been . and yes the poorer do attend uni doing various jobs including stripping and pole-dancing.[girls]
But as they say "nikan dena de agayak naha"
a nominal fee should be charged for higher education from students. otherwise you get blokes wasting the poor tax-payers money.

1 5

Ravana Wednesday, 20 October 2010 11:10 AM

This is a symptom of the lack of law and order in the country and the government sponsored promotion of thuggery.

However much the Government yapping chorus calls for elimination of students and starting of private universities, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

This government has to go or change it's behavior drastically.

6 1

ND Wednesday, 20 October 2010 10:35 AM

No one deserves violence. This is not the Middle East.

1 7

Niran Wednesday, 20 October 2010 10:34 AM

Ban them for life!

Today's thugs
Tomorrow's leaders...

0 5

Sena Wednesday, 20 October 2010 10:34 AM

This is absurd. Do not try to white wash this hooligan behaviour by the students. If the students fear the competition from foreign universities they should spend more time in studying and involve in other extra curicular activities to lift the image of the university. This type of activities just bring a bad image and make it even more difficult to get jobs when pass out. Education is a high priority but we do not have a bottomless money supply to education as there are other priorities such as health, infrastructure development etc.

3 7

Unethical Guy Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:24 AM

Government didnt not improve the Sri Lankan university education system. Governments should have made Sri lankan universities to accomadate large number of students and competitve with foreign universities.

They failed to do that. As a result now those students are afraid of their future and behaving in an such manner. Cant blame the students. Should blame the voters who voted for crimnals to rule them

38 26

AA Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:07 AM

Sad to hear such behaviour towards this much acclaimed and respected academic.

4 23

Ossan Salam - Doha Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:06 AM

These JVP hooligans are not students they do not have discipline in the past, present and even in the future.....but unfortunately they preach others about discipline.....fire all of the so called students involved in this heinous act where one of the senior educationists and gentlemen....we do not understand why the government still showing flexibility in taking drastic action against these "JVP Valgavadeen"

5 21

Watchman Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:02 AM

It is the responsible of the government to appoint a commission to findout the roots of these disputes before the things get worse and worse. It is pathetic to see that both the goverment and the students act as rivals.

13 5

rosh Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:56 AM

NO, its basicaly coz of the weak opposition, weaker than an old woman. Govt is on a devil dance coz there is no possible pressure group capable of force them

14 27

rosh Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:54 AM

I think we have to recall Mr R Premadasa again. He did a wonderful job to eliminate these disastrous JVP backd thugs. In vain he passed away befor finishing this hinderance to the real students and the peaceful society.

8 17

Sharma Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:48 AM

Well, I agree with you. There is no discipline in the Government from top to bottom, then how can you expect discipline from the younger generation. Like rulers like citizens.

21 36

obama Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:40 AM

Sri Lanka is complicated... who know who attacked the VC... it could be work of pro government to give a bad name on students and go ahead with forien university business.... why we cant improve our own universities for larger number of students and invite forien students enroll here.... still we can make an income of it to maintain !
OUR CITIZENS ARE REALLY STUPIDS... THEY SUPPORT AND LISTEN TO ANY TRAP GOVERNMENT SETUP !

30 16

Fayad Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:38 AM

Sack them, they never learn,
are this hooligans going to be future leaders & Professionals
of our country.

9 36

asela Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:37 AM

One of the top academics in the field of medicine. A true gentleman, perhaps too gentle to handle rowdies.
This is sad.

7 39

Jeevan Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:32 AM

These professors are innocent and they should not be attacked. The existing rigid political system should be changed in order to ensure the law and order in Sri Lanka.

17 29

CD Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:26 AM

JVP is destroying our country, being a student of UOR I know how basly they want to take control of the Science Faculty, their moto is kill someone if you have to, but get the control of faculty student union. Those people should be hanged to death

16 54

pathum Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:10 AM

Authorities please do something to eradicate this terrorism from our university system. Take strong actions against these JVP backed student unions.

8 19

Gayan Samarasekara Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:21 AM

Yes, when the top most political leadership sets the exemplars on responding counter opinions by openly imprisoning (ex: SF), killing (ex: Lasantha) or assaulting (ex: Provided by Marvin), it is inevitable that rest of the country men will also try the same strategy with their opponents.. While requesting immediate attention and disciplinary actions on this, we should urge the political leadership also to behave responsibly in a democratic framework.

47 48

kel Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:17 AM

When they become a professor they have to espect the same

8 21

andy Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:14 AM

Let this be the final straw. Bring these hooligans to justice and make this the beginning of the clean up of our entire university system.
Mr. President, if you are so confident about your abilities as a leader, here is a perfect opportunity to show it. Make this menace go away forever.

16 44

R. Wickramasinghe Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:12 AM

This attack is against a gentleman with some good principles. I am sad about the dangerous trend in the society. Isn't there any other means to solve our problems... Minister of Higher Education, it is over to you Sir for a broader discussion.

13 42

Asitha Wednesday, 20 October 2010 04:00 AM

Oh my god ! Ruhunu Students, How low can you go ? Are you people students or terrorists ?

14 61

apkr Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:57 AM

Thugs students are now not scaring even on their teachers.

14 48

Sicillian Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:55 AM

Only thing I have to say is that, if you have taken proper action against these hooligans when they do funny things on time, you wouldn't be injured today

17 45

Mary Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:52 AM

This has to stop. Those responsible should be expelled from the university. In other countries students have to pay for their education, where as in Sri Lanka, a poor country, the tax payers pay for the education; and, some students behave like thugs and spoil it for everyone.

The JVP leaders should not encourage such behavior.

14 72

Katussa Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:47 AM

If the students expect justice they should be willing to give it too!
The case for foreign universities here is getting stronger and stronger by the day!!

13 78

Lanka Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:40 AM

We need to enforce strict discipline in universities. Expel the students who are responsible for this and take action against politicians and political parties who instigate these students.

16 87

Holman Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:57 AM

STOP Mahapola and other free facilities given to these hooligans. Government should be VERY STRICT. Ban all unions in Universities.

4 19

Pushpaka Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:17 AM

Everybody except you know "inside universities". The JVP sponsored anthare is absolutely psycho-pathetic Janaki.

3 12

gUL fERNANDO Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:13 AM

Well done JVP. The people who went to the local universities know that there are full time JVP fellow within the system. They come to the lectures only on the first day and assigned the task of printing posters, organizing campaigns and also to harm the other students. One of my similar batch mates at Jayawardenapura is a JVP MP now

4 12

Hasiya Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:12 AM

U kidding?? U gotta be one of those Uni students

7 17

Hasiya Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:11 AM

they are worse than Beggars

6 8

Saradial Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:10 AM

Its not the solution. there are only small number of JVP members doing this chased out them from University. strictly prohibit politics inside Universities if any one involved inside University then stop them from University. I think this will be the good solution.

4 10

Hasiya Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:10 AM

We need foreign universities! There should not be only jst a few govt unis giving free education to a group of student terrorists

14 30

Mala John Wednesday, 20 October 2010 07:03 AM

I am against these violences in Unis and it is really embarrassing for me to say that I am a govt Uni student in SL. Shame.

2 11

Adaran Wednesday, 20 October 2010 06:25 AM

The only battle front now it has is the campuses. They have lost their charm and they can no longer instigate masses or workers or farmers or anybody.

3 13

Shafraz Wednesday, 20 October 2010 06:23 AM

Government Universites shold be stop from emiditae effect , they spend peoples money , we mey utilies this for re-construtioning Srilanka. CAN WE HAVE PAID & STUDY COLLAGES IN SRILANKA plz , president sir this is for your attention

8 11

Ariya Ekanayake Wednesday, 20 October 2010 06:21 AM

Parents must advice them on their responsibilities and not to waste public funds spent on higher education. Government must take stern action to eleminate these elements from campuses while looking into the grievances faced by the students.

3 10

Bull Dog Wednesday, 20 October 2010 03:39 AM

It is high time for the government to take strong action against these hooligans. They prevent the genuine students from getting their free education. The academic staff of universities must also get together and help the authorities to eliminate this rather than looking at them sympathetically.

16 103

Bakamoona Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:54 AM

All these violence in our Unis are too much to tolerate. Sack all and PRIVATISE Ruhuna Uni with immediate effect ! Good for the country, good for the economy, good for students who really want to study.

7 12

Smart Aleck Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:48 AM

Deterrent action is the immediate need.Withdraw free University Education and give scholarships only to the few very bright and deserving poor students.

5 18

Darren Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:44 AM

Do u say this is right mutt?

16 10

thusi Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:43 AM

If we dealt with the LTTE why cant we take action against these...

4 17

Saradial Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:31 AM

Do you think they will become a professor? I don't think

11 26

RupasingheR Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:29 AM

It is high time for all university students with the help of government to satnd aginst these extrimists (JVP) for the sake of future of education before these thugs destroy our universities.

7 19

Senake Ekanayake Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:20 AM

bunch of idiots destroing their own future and others.why we Sri Lankans expecting everything free.The govenment education is free for everyone. free Mahapola scolaship.and manythings free. why thay expecting free hostals?lazy people and students. they needed to work hard and do something for the country.you should be shamed for yourselfs Morans.You are shame for your country.Autorities need to be hard for these unconscious bunch of nuts.

7 24

FAYAD m Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:16 AM

yes of course.... like another investigation similar to take action against dr kelaniya

24 19

Lakmal Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:16 AM

One and only option is close u'sity and held exams on date. Then good/ real students put pressure to JVP students. Bcoz all students fear to exams. This method earlier did in J'pura before 3 or 4 years.

8 15

janaki Wednesday, 20 October 2010 05:11 AM

Many who writes comments blame the JVP only. those who inside universities know better. it's not only the JVP thst politicise students.

33 8

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