JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake speaking in Parliament today (August 23) requested the Minister Rauff Hakeem to immediately withdraw the ‘Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation’ Bill and enter into fresh rounds of consultations over the process.
He said organizations such as the Federation of University Teachers Associations, the Medical Faculty Teachers Federation, a considerable number of Vice-Chancellors as well as students have voiced their strong objection towards this bill. Minister Rauff Hakeem proposed the matter be directed to the Sectoral Oversight Committee and subject it to discussions.
Hakeem said he is the fourth person to hold the post of Minister of Higher Education in the present government and noted the ‘Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation’ Bill was prepared following extensive deliberations with those involved in Higher Education.
He went on to say the ‘Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation’ Bill was prepared to solve issues between Public and Private Universities in Sri Lanka. However, Bimal Ratnayake requested the Minister to first discuss the matter with the various organizations which raised concerns and the students as well.
The Minister said the University Grants Commission held extensive discussions on the bill and added the MPs request would be given due consideration.
