A threat to the credibility of the University of Kelaniya

(Letter from the Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya ) 

(July 14, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Faculty of Science of the University of Kelaniya is well known both nationally and internationally as a center of excellence which dispenses knowledge of Science by producing a large number of eminent scientists since its inception in 1967. It has been accepted practice of the researchers of the faculty to publish their findings at academic conferences, seminars and in internationally accepted peer reviewing journals. It is a known fact that these research results often receive high recognition in academic circles, nationally and internationally.

However, the studies conducted by some researchers of the Faculty of Science of the University of Kelaniya on Kidney disease in Rajarata area and their findings have received immense media attention and has led to a controversy in the country.

It has been stated over and over again by some members of this research group over the media that these research results have been based on assumptions and advice received from divine godly forces. At times the present dean of the Faculty of Science, the leader of this research group, had also openly stated to the media that they do not accept the principles and methodology of the globally recognized scientific methods taught within the Faculty of Science. It is evident that these statements and actions have led to a very bad impression about the University of Kelaniya in general and the Faculty of Science in particular, among the public and the scientific community. Not only does this situation degrade the reputation of the Faculty which was achieved with great effort in the last 45 years, but also jeopardizes the recognition of the graduates passing out from the Faculty in future.

We would like to stress upon the fact that the majority of academics hear about these extraordinary methods and their findings only through the media. We would also like to stress the fact that the teaching and research conducted by the majority of us are based only on globally accepted scientific methods. We would like to request your immediate involvement in safeguarding the reputation and good name of the University of Kelaniya in general and the Faculty of Science in particular in these undesirable circumstances.