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Rs 10,000, 0% interest loans for Technology Institute students
View(s):A new loan scheme, apart from the Mahapola scholarship, is to be introduced for students following higher education courses in Technological institutes, Higher Education Minister said.
Minister S.B. Dissanayake said President Rajapaksa has instructed to establish a new fund to allocate loans to students.
Accordingly, Rs 10,000, zero interest, loan will be granted to students and the loan recovered from the salary on a monthly basis.
The Minister said this at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the semi-luxury 400-room hostel complex of the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) in Mattakuliya.
“During our times at university, Rs 70-80 was given monthly to students, which was later increased to Rs120. The final instalment deducted from my salary was when I was the Sports, Samurdhi & rural Development Minister,” he said.
He said, salary issues of Technology Institute staff have been resolved, while Lecturers’ salary issue will be resolved soon.
“Their (Technology institute Lecturers) salaries will be brought on par with the salaries of university Lecturers,” the Minister said.
According to Minister Dissanayake, those who complete Diploma courses can start their Degree programmes while being employed.
“Final arrangements are being made to commence these Degree programmes. Those who do not qualify for universities, have the opportunity to graduate in fields of Engineering,” he added
He said that the new hostel complex is for female students, while a hostel complex for males will also be completed. (NF)