A higher diploma student has filed a compensation case against the University of Colombo administration, alleging examination irregularities that wasted his time, effort, and money, it was reported.
According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, the petitioner, Sanath Kumara Athukorala, is seeking Rs. 5 million in damages.
Nugegoda District Judge R.A.N. Rajapaksha has issued summons ordering the Vice Chancellor and seven senior officials to appear in court on September 10.
The judge questioned how students initially declared failed were later marked as passed without a re‑examination, directing the officials to provide answers when they appear.
Summons were served to lecturers and administrators of the Faculty of Management and Finance, including D.C.L. Diyaguarachchi, W.P. Premarathna, Head of Department Sashika Abeydeera Manoratne, Dean H.M. Nihal Hennayake, Assistant Registrar Vajira Hapuhinna Jayarathne, former Vice Chancellor H.D. Karunaratne, current Vice Chancellor Indika Mahesh Karunathilaka, and the Attorney General.
Athukorala, enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, alleges serious unfairness in subjects 508 “Operations Management for Small Business” and 510 “Business Strategy and Sustainability.”
He claims Diyaguarachchi demanded Rs. 80,000, which he refused, and later developed hostility toward him after a dispute during a workshop. He further alleges she unfairly awarded him low marks and revealed exam questions to other students.
After failing in January 2025, Athukorala says he complained to the administration, but by April 2025 new results showed several students had passed despite no re‑examination. He also alleges irregularities in subject 510, where Rs. 3,500 was collected from each student for a group project, but full marks were awarded even to those who did not participate.
He argues that arbitrary and unethical practices deprived him of success, and despite complaints to the university and the Bribery Commission, investigations remain ongoing.
Athukorala insists the administration has not explained how failed students were later declared passed, accusing officials of fraudulent practices including awarding degrees to failed students.
The case will be heard on September 10, with the Vice Chancellor and senior officials ordered to present their responses in court. (Newswire)