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Last Updated : 2024-04-29 15:40:00
6 August 2018 05:22 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
SAITM founder Neville Fernando today rejected claims made by Higher Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s that scholarships were given to SAITM students on political grounds.
He said the minister had never spoken to him on the matter of scholarships though he claimed to have done so.
“Politicians including former president Mahinda Rajapaksa may have sent letters, but scholarships were never provided on those letters,” he told Daily Mirror.
However, Dr. Fernando admitted that Rs.400 million worth of scholarships were given by SAITM as stated by the minister was correct but they were never politically motivated.
“The scholarships were given only to deserving students; those who had very good marks but could not enter the university because of economic issues," he said.
Dr. Fernando said lots of MPs including JO MP Dinesh Gunawardenamade made the same mistake when they claimed that SAITM scholarships were granted on political grounds but those were baseless allegations.
He said the minister was attempting to level these allegation because they were in trouble with the scholarship issue.
Dr. Fernando said he had to pay some Rs.3.5 billion to the bank and he was unable to pay the money because SAITM assets could not be sold without the approval of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka.
“BOI projects cannot be acquired or nationalized. But this Government brought a special gazette notice and abolished SAITM by saying it was not up to standard. I’m in trouble because of that. I have to pay the bank Rs 3.5 billion. The bank is demanding the money. There are parties prepared to buy SAITM and they like to pay the money in advance but the bank wants the full amount in one go," he said. "One person can’t buy both the Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) and SAITM. So, |I have to sell them separately. This takes a longer period because the buyer has to obtain Cabinet approval.” (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
C.K.Lankaputhra Monday, 06 August 2018 05:59 PM
Dr. Fernando and the Miniter, you can request the GMOA to fund for the scholarships for the deserving students, because their members have enough money in Billions and Trillions. They are very much concerned about the poor peoples health of this country.
tommy Monday, 06 August 2018 06:01 PM
What Dr. Neville Fernando says is true.
Wise Donkey Monday, 06 August 2018 06:14 PM
We believe Neville Fernando's statement
mohan Monday, 06 August 2018 06:15 PM
Dr.Neville now squirming like a worm. This is retribution on its way for misleading innocent students and putting their entire life in jeopardy and their parents money in your crooked pocket
mnsmart Monday, 06 August 2018 07:18 PM
Another business empire destroyed.
Bala Monday, 06 August 2018 08:07 PM
Yes typical Sri Lankan mentality. Jealosy to the core. IUSF and GMOA do not want progress but just their pound of flesh.
nihal Monday, 06 August 2018 09:50 PM
A businessman, professional who start a different field being scattered to pieces by jelousy professionals
Ras Monday, 06 August 2018 07:35 PM
Scholarships are given to deserving students based on their merit and not on politics. Thank you for correcting some of the very misleadings statements which were in the news. There are too much of confusing and misleading statements made by those who are handling these issues, without the correct background. Students and their parents must be going through a bad experience.
Hanas Tuesday, 07 August 2018 07:29 AM
Usually wijedasa rajapaksha misleads
Jaya Monday, 06 August 2018 08:28 PM
Do not worry Dr. Fernando. Now GOMA is going to appoint the political leaders of this country. It's the end of Doctors credibility.
jayantha Tuesday, 07 August 2018 08:40 AM
SAITM founder Neville Fernando destroyed the future of sri lanka talented young guys
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