SLIATE to be upgraded and improved, not privatised said Minister
View(s):Technology and Innovation State Minister Thilanga Sumathipala appealed to Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) students to not think conventionally when it comes to the upgrading of SLIATE to degree awarding status.
At a meeting with SLIATE students in Dehiwala, during an observation visit to the institution this week, the Minister said the SLIATE Act had to be amended first before the institution was upgraded to degree awarding status.
He said students were feeling uneasy, as some misinterpreted the Government’s attempts to improve the standards of the institution as a plan to privatise it.
The Minister said SLIATE will not be privatised and the Government will update the students on future plans in a very transparent manner.
“When improving the institution, the benefits for the academic and non-academic staff should be increased and physical resources should be upgraded, as well. Therefore, without letting the Government bear all the burden, the institution should think of earning an income.”
“We hope to implement a development plan in future for this purpose, ensuring that no injustice is caused to the students at the institution,” Minister Sumathipala told the students.
The student representatives appealed to the minister to ensure that the upgrading of the institution takes place in a manner where the free education rights of students are safeguarded. They said this because a majority of students at SLIATE do not come from wealthy backgrounds.