by Georgina Maka’a

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) intends to appeal a High Court ruling ordering the university to pay more than $1.47 million to its former librarian, Sri Lankan Dr Don Karunanayake.

Karunanayake took SINU to court after his termination in February 2025 following an internal audit into library book procurement raised concerns over alleged pricing discrepancies, non-delivery of books, and an alleged conflict of interest involving an Indian supplier.

Last Friday, High Court judge Justice Augustine Aulanga ruled that SINU breached Karunanayake’s fixed-term contract – which was not set to expire until 23 February 2029 – by terminating him over gross misconduct allegations that the university failed to prove at trial.

Responding to the ruling, Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau stated SINU intends to appeal the court ruling.

“As Vice Chancellor, I take responsibility for the decision to terminate Karunanayake’s employment,” Aqorau said.

“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 added.

Aqorau conceded that the court had ruled against SINU on both the justification for the firing and the internal process.

He said the university management will work with its legal advisers to evaluate the grounds, costs, and risks of taking the matter to the Court of Appeal.

In his ruling, Justice Aulanga awarded Karunanayake a total of $1,475,110.99, comprising $1,446,122.45 in contractual damages – covering unpaid salary, gratuity, transport and utility allowances, and National Provident Fund contributions – plus $28,988.54 in pre-judgment interest.

SINU was also ordered to pay legal costs.

While maintaining that the initial audit concerns were serious and required action to safeguard public funds, Professor Aqorau admitted that the case highlights acute systemic shortcomings in how the administration handles disciplinary and administrative actions.

“Regardless of the appeal, this case provides an important opportunity to examine our institutional practices,” Aqorau said.

He pledged to conduct a top-to-bottom review alongside the University Council into procurement controls, administrative responsibilities between departments, and disciplinary protocols.

“Particular attention must be given to the disclosure of relevant information, meaningful consideration of an employee’s response, clear records of decisions and applicable appeal procedures,” he added.

Justice Aulanga has determined in his ruling that the university violated its own disciplinary framework and denied the former librarian procedural fairness.

He pointed out that:

• The termination letter was dated prior to the university even receiving Karunanayake’s written defence.

• SINU failed to provide Karunanayake with a copy of the preliminary audit report containing the allegations.

• The university could not establish that a formal disciplinary hearing ever took place.

• The dismissal letter explicitly informed Karunanayake that the decision was final and not subject to internal appeal, directly contradicting SINU’s disciplinary procedures.

“The termination was therefore wrongful and in breach of the Contract,” Justice Aulanga ruled.

Karunanavake, who no longer lives in Solomon Islands, engaged local law firm Bridge Legal & Consultancy to take up his case

Primo Afeau Legal Services represented SINU.