Solomon Islands National University to appeal $1.47M dismissal ruling

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has announced its intention to appeal a High Court ruling that ordered the institution to pay more than $1.47 million to its former librarian, Dr. Don Karunanayake.

Justice Augustine Aulanga ruled that SINU wrongfully dismissed Karunanayake, breaching a fixed-term contract that was not due to expire until February 2029. The dismissal followed an internal audit into library book procurement that raised allegations of pricing discrepancies, non-delivery of books, and conflicts of interest involving an Indian supplier. However, the court found that the university failed to prove the allegations of gross misconduct.

The court awarded Karunanayake $1,475,110.99, which includes contractual damages for unpaid salary, allowances, and National Provident Fund contributions, plus pre-judgment interest. SINU was also ordered to cover legal costs.

Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau stated that while the university maintains the audit concerns were serious regarding the safeguarding of public funds, he accepts responsibility for the termination decision. SINU is currently working with legal advisers to evaluate the grounds and risks of pursuing an appeal through the Court of Appeal.