Amended Uni. Act to see degree-awarding institutes facilitating students of all faiths- PM

Special clauses will be introduced to the Universities Act to create an enviornment that would see degree-awarding institutions opening its doors to the students of all communities, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday (May 17).

"Muslim Affairs Minister M.H.M. Haleem and representatives of his Ministry discussed the amendments which should be introduced to the Madarasa Regulatory Bill, along with representatives of the Attorney General's Department," the Prime Minister said following the meeting at Temple Trees.

He noted that the bill to regulate Madarasa's and Islamic educational institutions would be put forth before cabinet after making the necessary amendments.

"I emphasised (during the discussion) that a Sharia University was not required by our country," the Prime Minister told the press adding that the bill, after being passed, will ensure that degree-awarding institutions would be monitored while also facilitating students of all faiths.

Muslim Religious Affairs Minister A.H.M. Haleem, Prime Minister's Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Muslim Religious Affairs Secretary S.M. Mohamed, Senior Legal advisor to the Prime Minister Bimba Thilakaratne, Deputy Solicitor Generals Nerin Pulle and Asath Navavi were present at the meeting.