JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in a special statement, said that a large number of scientists, who had worked for the IFS, had been sacked with no valid reasons being given. The IFS, incorporated under a Parliamentary Act (No. 55 of 1981), is a primary research institute with the aim of creating an interest in and to provide facilities for fundamental and advanced studies and in particular to initiate, promote and conduct research and original investigations in fundamental studies in general with emphasis on mathematics, physics, chemistry, life science, social sciences and philosophy. It is administered by a Board of Governors. The President is the Chairman of the Board which consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Director of the IFS, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, three persons elected from among its members by the Academic Council, and four other persons appointed by the President for a period of three years from among persons who in his opinion are specially qualified in relation to the work of the IFS.

The research and academic programmes of the IFS were conducted by a group of 16 academics until 2008. The scientists were recruited on a contract basis. Their continuation in service or promotions were done with the consent of the Cabinet of Ministers and the board of governors. This smooth functioning had been disturbed by unnecessary political influences recently. With the involvement of the Presidential Secretary Lalith Weerathunga six professors had been removed and newspaper advertisements called for the recruitment of new academics. The academics removed forcibly had applied and scored top marks. The result was that six other professors who conducted the interview and gave marks too had been removed. The IFS has now recruited academics who scored around 170 marks while leaving out experienced academics who scored above 300 marks.

A large number of academics have expressed their frustration over the recent politicization of this institute, he said. A number of academics were planning to leave the country.

MP Dissanayake said that the Prime Minister, who is also a member of the Board of the IFS, must inform the House of this unjust action and explain what really took place.