A PETITION has been launched to stop a former Worcester university student from being deported after he was refused a visa.

Hemaka Pathiranage, who came to the city in 2011 and has remained ever since, was refused a working visa in July 2017 after he did not finish his masters course, due to his work as vice-president of the student union at the University of Worcester.

He challenged the decision but was given 28 days notice on Wednesday June 13 to make arrangements to leave the country. If he does not leave, he could be deported.

A petition to keep him in the country has already gained more than 1,400 signatures.

His supporters say he is a great asset to the city, coaching a blind cricket team and volunteering in many roles.

Friend Rachael Baylis, who started the petition, said: "This petition has been started to try and get the Home Office to look at Hemi’s case on an individual basis as he’s a hardworking, kind and honest person who has complied with everything they’ve put to him.

"Hemaka Pathiranage came to the UK from Sri Lanka in September 2011 to study a sports coaching science degree at the University of Worcester.

"On completion of his degree he then began his Masters in Sports Coaching which he was unable to finish with his commitments to his student union.

"Due to this his visa sponsorship from the university was stopped.

"Since then Hemi has applied for a working visa through all the right pathways only to receive a visa refusal letter in July 2017 stating that his claim was “clearly unfounded” despite him being a model citizen with a large community involvement and high profile within his community in his student union and cricket club.

"Following this he sent a human rights claim to the Home Office hoping to gain more time to find a right pathway to stay and for the last 11 months he’s lived on edge not knowing when he’ll receive the letter telling him if he can stay and work in the place he now calls home.

"Finding a job with his qualifications wasn't difficult, but finding a one with visa sponsorship has proved a challenge.

"Due to his visa status he has been holding down two part time jobs at a nightclub and a café to cover living costs and since receiving the 28-day notice he has no rights at all to work in the UK - yet is expected to have the money for flights back to Sri Lanka."

Mr Pathiranage coaches junior, senior, women's and blind cricket on a voluntary basis and is the captain of city cricket club Old Elizabethans' first team.

Whilst at the university, he was a student ambassador, event ambassador, receptionist, breathe easy/smoke free adviser, green impact project supervisor, and university facilities assistant.

As vice president, he brought the 'Take A Stand' campaign started by British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) to Worcester, which aims to eradicate any form of discrimination in sport.

A university spokesman said: “Hemaka Pathiranage is a very valued member of the University of Worcester community, as an alumnus.

"Following his undergraduate degree, Hemaka spent two years representing his fellow students, as the elected vice president of the Worcester Students’ Union, responsible for societies and activities.

"Hemaka’s hard work and positive personality made him a very popular member of the university community. During this time Hemaka’s community, voluntary and sporting activities also established him as a very popular member of the wider Worcester community.

We very much hope that the Home Office treats Hemaka’s case with compassion.”

A Home Office spokesman said:“Mr Pathiranage’s previous leave to remain in the UK expired in January 2016.

"In July 2017, he submitted a further application, under Human Rights legislation, on the basis of his private and family life in the UK. All applications are carefully considered on their individual merits. As Mr Pathiranage’s application has been refused he should now be making arrangements to leave the UK.”

Mr Pathiranage would be able to appeal the decision from outside the country.

To view the petition, visit change.org/p/home-office-let-hem-stay-don-t-let-the-home-office-deport-this-valued-member-of-our-community