Employees who have been working as office assistants on a contract basis at the University of Jaffna for a long period have alleged that they were completely overlooked in the process of recruiting for recently issued permanent appointments.
They claimed that several new recruits had been appointed instead.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Jaffna Media Centre on Tuesday, the affected employees said that more than 400 applicants, including themselves, had participated in the selection process, including a competitive examination, for office assistant positions at the University of Jaffna.
However, they claimed that appointments had been given to only 71 individuals and that those who had already been working as office assistants at the university on a contract basis for an extended period had not been properly considered in the recruitment process for permanent appointments.
They said they had expected to receive priority due to their long service at the university, but the appointment of several new recruits had caused them considerable shock and disappointment.
They further said that although they had brought their situation to the attention of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, they had not received a favourable response.
The affected employees called on the university administration to provide a fair solution by taking into consideration their service, experience and lengthy period of employment, as well as their livelihoods and economic circumstances.
They also urged the relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the office assistant recruitment process and take action to ensure justice for those affected.
