Graduates of the University of Colombo refused to accept their certificates from Muruththetuwe Ananda Thera, the Chancellor of the university, at their annual convocation ceremony.

According to the tradition, it is the chancellor who presents the degree certificates at the convocation.

This time, however, the graduates refused to accept their certificates from the controversial Buddhist monk forcing the Vice Chacellor to present the degree certificates.

Ananda Thera is a trade union leader and a supporter of the current administration. Addressing a public event recently, President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said Ananda Thera was appointed the Chancellor as the latter supported their political campaign.