Signs that SAITM will be legalised by court -- next Monday (31)
The legal judgment in relation to Malabe SAITM Institute, a private medical college which is subjected to a demur, is to be pronounced on January 30th. Minister of Higher Education Lakshman Kiriella stated in parliament that it has been reported that the university students are planning to surround the courts on that day.
Minister Kiriella further said that a loan of Rs. 600 million had been granted during the past Mahinda
Rajapaksa regime to start the SAITM Institute and the incumbent government is left only with the task of legalising the institute and in providing security to the students. At that point Member of Parliament of the JVP Bimal Ratnayaka queried why the Minister of Higher Education is appearing on behalf of SAITM Institute when Heads of 8 medical faculties in universities of Sri Lanka have informed in writing not to grant approval to SAITM Institute.In response to that question what the Minister said was "It is not we who encouraged SAITM Institute. Rs. 600 million has been given during the tenure of former President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. So let us legalise this". What Mr. Bimal Ratnayaka said was "Just because loans were given during Mahinda Rajapaksa's time ... are you'll there to proceed from there onwards. How many things started during Mahinda Rajapaksa's time have been stopped by this government? Close the shop and and a solution necessary for this must be given".
Mr. Kiriella once more informed "The policy of the UNP is to uplift education of private universities. The value and quality of private educational institutions should be enhanced. Mr. Carlo Fonseka came to meet me. What I requested from him was to solve this issue before his life comes to an end. I hold him in high esteem".