The Sharia University of Batticaloa has been ordered to bring under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education, State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene said today (9th) in Parliament.
Responding to a question raised by MP Hesha Vithana, the Minister said an order has been issued to bring the Sharia University that is being constructed under the Ministry of Higher Education. “We need to look into the story behind this university. It is better to conduct an investigation into it.”
Joining the debate, the Minister of Minister of City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education Rauf Hakeem said there is a long procedure before the Ministry of Higher Education grants approval to any institution that offers degree courses.
Minister Hakeem said a decision has not been made yet on a correct procedure to follow and discussions should be held and the right procedure must be followed to eliminate the doubts risen about the university before granting approval. He said a report will be produced after discussions.
Parliamentarian Chaminda Wijesiri inquired about how the construction of the university was funded. He said it is necessary to know how the project got funds legally.
The Speaker then asked the State Minister of Defense whether there will be an investigation and State Minister affirmed that there will be an investigation into the funding of the university.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has said that no organization has been given the authority to conduct degree courses at a university known as the ‘Sharia University’ or the Batticaloa Campus.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
