Professors, lecturers and senior academic staff of the Department of Political Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura have lodged an official complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) over a series of administrative and professional issues within the department.

The complaint alleges professional harassment, obstruction of academic freedom, administrative inefficiency and the failure to implement recommendations made through internal investigations.

According to the academics, five preliminary investigations have been conducted into matters relating to the department since 2024. They claim that the investigations confirmed administrative, professional, and ethical concerns involving the current Head of the Department, while several recommendations had also been submitted through the respective reports.

Following the submission of the investigation reports to the University Council on April 9, a special committee comprising council members was appointed to further review the matter and provide additional recommendations.

The committee has reportedly recommended the initiation of a formal disciplinary inquiry against the current Head of the Department, suspension from duties until the conclusion of the inquiry, the appointment of an acting Head from another department, and the inclusion of the preliminary investigation findings in a formal charge sheet.

The complainants further alleged that delays in implementing the recommendations, postponements, and alleged misinterpretations of the committee’s findings have seriously disrupted fair administrative procedures within the university.

They also stated that the situation has adversely affected academic freedom, professional dignity, and the right of academic staff members to a fair and secure working environment.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has been requested to conduct an independent investigation into the matter and take appropriate action against the responsible parties.