Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Friday, 10 May 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The questionable shareholding of the Batticaloa campus came up yesterday in Parliament, with Government lawmakers requesting an investigation into over Rs. 500 million worth of shares held by the son of Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hisbullah.
According to United National Party MP Hesha Withanage, the Batticaloa campus has claimed to be funded by a foreign grant, but with local shareholders this is questionable.
“There is a widespread discussion in society these days with regard to the Sharia University built in Batticaloa. Eastern Province Governor Hisbullah’s son has obtained shares worth Rs. 500 million in this University, which is claimed to be a grant. Hisbullah is one of the closest friends of possible presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa. How could a son of a Governor obtain shares from a project implemented by the Government? How had he obtained shares from a project, which is implemented on foreign grant? Public opinion today is against this university.”
In response, Non-Cabinet Minister of Mass Media and State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene agreed to launch an investigation and to inform the Parliament.
Joining the debate, Minister of City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education Rauff Hakeem held that degree-awarding status to any higher education institutions will be approved after a lengthy process of checking that institute’s ability to offer courses of study leading to degrees.
“We have not yet made any decision with regard to this institute. This morning, too, I had a discussion with the Speaker in this regard. This should be done only after a thorough study. Now there are various doubts and stories about this university. We would have to eliminate those doubts first if we are to think of setting up this university. That should be done in accordance with the proper procedures. I could give the House a detailed explanation on this issue on a later date,” said Minister Hakeem. (AH)
