Saumya Liyanage has been reinstated to posts of Dean and Professor by the University of Visual and Performing Arts, University Council. Liyanage was summarily removed from the posts of Professor and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies he was holding at the university in September.
The decision was taken by the University Council chaired by University Professor Abayaratne Bandara.
At the time the Council said the decision for his removal was that he had not obtained a postgraduate degree by research (Master or PhD) within the probationary period of eight years. When a lecturer is appointed on a probationary basis, he is given eight years to complete a postgraduate degree––a master’s or a PhD.
Liyanage holds a PhD from La Trobe University, Australia and he maintained that he submitted his PhD thesis within the stipulated period of 8 years, and the university has recommended him for the award of PhD with minor corrections.
