SINU INTENDS TO APPEAL $1.47M JUDGMENT

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) intends appeal a High Court ruling ordering it to pay more than $1.47 million to its former University Librarian, Dr Don Karunanayake, Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau has confirmed.

Professor Aqorau said the university respected the Court’s decision and took its findings seriously but would seek an appeal after reviewing the judgment with its legal advisers.

“As Vice-Chancellor, I take responsibility for the decision to terminate Dr Karunanayake’s employment. I also accept responsibility for ensuring that the University carefully considers the judgment, responds through the appropriate legal channels and addresses the institutional issues arising from this matter,” he said.

The High Court found that SINU had wrongfully dismissed Dr Karunanayake following an internal audit investigation into the procurement of library books.

Professor Aqorau said the concerns raised during the investigation were serious and required attention, given the university’s responsibility as a publicly funded institution to safeguard its resources and ensure expenditure supports students’ education and training.

However, he acknowledged that the Court had ruled against SINU on both the justification for the dismissal and aspects of the process followed.

“I recognise that the Court has found against the University on both the justification for dismissal and aspects of the process followed. Those findings require careful consideration,” Professor Aqorau said.

He said SINU would work with its legal advisers to examine the Court’s reasons and determine the grounds on which an appeal should proceed.

“Seeking appellate review is part of the judicial process, and the University will pursue that process respectfully,” he said.

Professor Aqorau also said the university would refrain from publicly debating the evidence or repeating disputed allegations against Dr Karunanayake while the matter remained subject to further legal proceedings.

“He is entitled to dignity and respect throughout this process,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the financial implications of the judgment would concern university staff, students and the wider community.

He said SINU would carefully consider those implications with the University Council and its legal advisers, weighing the merits, costs and risks of a proposed appeal.

“Our responsibility is to make considered decisions in the University’s best interests,” Professor Aqorau said.