Open Letter to Minister of Education

Omission of Bhikkhu Representation in Sri Jayewardenepura University Governing Council*

To
The Chairman, University Grants Commission
The Honorable Minister of Education
The Honorable President of Sri Lanka
The Secretary, Ministry of Education

It has come to the attention of The Nationalist platform and concerned members of the public that the newly appointed Governing Council of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura does not include any representation from the Buddhist clergy for the first time in the institution’s history.

This decision, if deliberate, marks a serious departure from the university’s historical identity as the successor to Vidyodaya Pirivena, founded by the Maha Sangha in 1873. As such, we respectfully request clarification on the following points
1. Was the omission of a Bhikkhu representative intentional or an oversight
2. Under what legal framework or policy was this change in council composition approved
3. Is there any amendment, cabinet decision, or internal UGC guideline that discontinues religious representation in historically religious founded state institutions
4. Who were the officials responsible for recommending and approving the final list of council members
5. Has this change been made at other universities with similar religious or civilizational legacies

We ask that this matter be treated with the urgency it deserves and that a clear explanation be provided to the public along with assurances that Sri Lanka’s civilizational foundations, especially in higher education, will not be quietly eroded by institutional decisions lacking transparency or national consultation.

We look forward to a responsible and public response

Jihan Hameed
-The Nationalist🇱🇰

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