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Special Unit to investigate corruption within State schools: Minister Kariyawasam
View(s):The Education Ministry is setting up a special unit to investigate cases of corruption within State Educational institutions including schools, Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told the Education Times.
He said the decision to set up the unit was taken in the wake of information about politicisation of the Educational institutions leading to corruption.
“There are complaints of officials accepting money to make educational appointments,” he said.
Minister Kariyawasam said that complaints regarding school admissions too will be looked into by this unit.
He said there are cases of Tender irregularities where Tenders were awarded due to political influence.
“All those found guilty will have to face disciplinary or judicial action,” he said.
“Our objective is to minimise political interference within the Educational system,” he added.
He said the education sector had drawn a bad reputation as being one of the most corrupt institutions surpassing the police which was at that place.
Minister Kariyawasam said the public could forward any relevant information to him personally, regarding instances of corruption within the Education sector.
-Damith Wickremasekara
The Education Ministry will soon issue a fresh circular directing Principals not to accept donations for admission of students.
The decision comes in the wake of complaints that principals were still demanding money for school admissions, despite previous circulars to the contrary.