New MP from UNP takes oath

Saturday, 9 June 2018 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

The United National Party (UNP) has nominated C.M.M. Ismile as a national list Member of Parliament, filling the vacancy of M.H.M. Navavi who recently stepped down. MP Ismile took oath before Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday.

However, disapproving the new MP’s appointment, the Minister of Higher Education & Cultural Affairs Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told the Parliament that Ismile, who was the former Vice Chancellor of the South Eastern University, is facing a long list of charges which are currently being investigated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

“He has many charges against him. Even COPE had received a host of complaints that he was maintaining his home expenses, including water bills and electricity bills, with university funds.

His charge sheet is very long, and COPE has recommended that he be investigated, which is currently being done by the UGC. But shockingly, he has taken oath in Parliament as an MP,” said Dr. Rajapakshe.

“In fact, some female students have complained to us that a lecturer named S.M. Alif is demanding sexual favours from the female students and if they don’t comply, they would not be passed. We have received many complaints about him,” added the Minister.