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Decision on SAITM after talking to all stakeholders: President

21 February 2017 12:48 pm - 17     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena said today he would arrive at a just and fair decision on private universities including the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) in consultation with all stakeholders.

He met the SAITM students' Parents Collective and SAITM Chairman Dr. Neville Fernando on Monday at the President's official residence as one of the moves to sort out this contentious issue.

“I will study the views expressed by parents and students with the hope of finding a solution,” the President said adding that he had also met representatives of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) the Government Dental Surgeons Association (GDSA) and the University students unions and would meet officials of the UGC and the SLMC shortly.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said yesterday that as a representative of all grades of doctors in the country, it was not against properly constituted and regulated Private Medical Education and that Private Medical Education and SAITM though related, were two separate issues.

SLMA President Prof. Chandrika Wijeratne said her association was deeply concerned about the implications of the current situation on the health sector and the people.

“We consider this to be a defining moment in the history of medical practice in our country which may lead to grave consequences,” she said adding that Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) mandate on maintaining the standards of the medical profession and medical education is now being questioned and this has been brought to light by the recent Court of Appeal verdict.

Prof. Wijeratne said the SLMA was particularly concerned about the SLMC having limited powers to regulate medical education.

"Therefore, there is an urgent need to enact the required legislation to empower the SLMC to protect the public from unqualified or substandard medical practitioners. As an initial effort we urge the authorities to enactment the required gazette notification for the implementation of the Minimal Standards of Medical Education in our country," she said.


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  Comments - 17

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  • CitizenX Tuesday, 21 February 2017 03:34 PM

    Court ruling here is only about the legality of awarding medical degrees by a private university in the country. The academic and professional standard required of a medical degree is a separate matter altogether, which should not be confused with the legal status of awarding a degree. The limit of the Court's jurisdiction in any case should not intrude into the space of academic standards and vice-versa.No one has identified this fact so far and running around like mad dogs.The academic and professional standard required should be determined by the authority established for recognition and approval of medical degrees.

    neilpriyath Wednesday, 22 February 2017 08:09 AM

    As e have seen for last two years, not taking firm decisions is the only firm decision MS has taken so far.

    joshua Wednesday, 22 February 2017 08:08 AM

    Dear President, Hope the Government will not give in to GMOA and ensure that SAITM students are penalized for no fault of theirs.

    Anonymous Wednesday, 22 February 2017 12:08 AM

    First, government can do more to strengthen National Qualification Framework. This will ensure whether students are graduated from public or private university, they study the same subjects, same curriculum and get the same degree regulated by UGC (or whatever the authority in charge). Second, the government can provide means-tested loan scheme available to all tertiary students instead of trying to give everything free of charge. Students can pay them back once they are graduated employed and reached their salaries above certain threshold. When everyone studies the same degree and pays equal amounts of tuition fees from their own pockets, I don't think there will be any reasons left to riot on the street.

    Sarath Tuesday, 21 February 2017 11:23 PM

    SLMA, arn't you worried about the double standareds of SLMC as stated by the Appeal Court verdict? Yes, in that sense, it is indeed a defining moment.

    Sofia Tuesday, 21 February 2017 10:36 PM

    Before you comment read the Appeal Court Judgement and you will see the truth. Do not comment before - Citizen X.

    MP Tuesday, 21 February 2017 07:47 PM

    Exactly correct. Without knowing the background knowledge, these people are behaving like mad dogs.

    RDF Tuesday, 21 February 2017 05:38 PM

    Cannot do that . Mo more a vertebrate.

    Rohan Tuesday, 21 February 2017 05:16 PM

    Anton, I think you are not in this world. I you have children ask them.

    ANTON Tuesday, 21 February 2017 01:08 PM

    ONE PARTY MEMBER : '" SIIR ....... WHAT IS SAITM ? "" IS IT AVAILABLE IN MALABE SUPER MARKETS ? "

    Bala Tuesday, 21 February 2017 03:05 PM

    Hope you, Mr President, will remember age 28-29 of the Appeal Curt judgement where SLMC has used two standards of assessment. KDU given approval even before buildings completed !!

    medic Tuesday, 21 February 2017 02:51 PM

    Any new policy announced must be from henceforth and not with retrospective effect

    Justica.... Tuesday, 21 February 2017 02:47 PM

    MR president you are opening a can if worms...IF u get involved and overule the Courts decision...All parties who lose in court cases will want your interference... a Big responsibility when u gave orher matters to take care of...DO NOT INTERFERE...let the courts ruling stand.... via DM Android App

    MF1986 Tuesday, 21 February 2017 02:46 PM

    The decision with regard to private universities is an policy decision and it needs a new Act for private universities. First, the draft act should be presented to Cabinet and sent to supreme court for their view. Then, act should get approval from parliament. There is no proper legal framework for private universities. Finally, minimum standard and qualification of students and teachers for every main degree programs at private universities should be notified in Government Gazette. If you just want to solve the SAITM issue, you woild discuss with all stakeholders of the SAITM and other parties. This shows that all politicians are playing with the education.

    Palitha Galapitiya Tuesday, 21 February 2017 02:21 PM

    Honour the Court Decision. Stake holders are not necessary. Show the country-men that you are a leader with a back-borne.

    Shelly. Tuesday, 21 February 2017 01:56 PM

    Medical or otherwise to go for private ventures or not to is a majour policy matter of a Govt.That has to be decided withing the CABINET. There cant be any other stake holder other than the Cabinet where policy matters are discussed. That is how the Democracy works. First announce the policy. via DM Android App

    ClaudePeries Tuesday, 21 February 2017 01:12 PM

    Where will the Supremo Court judgement stand ?


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