The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education and Human Resources Development will submit its report to Parliament on the controversial “Sharia University” in Batticaloa by the first week of June, UNP MP Prof. Ashu Marasinghe yesterday said. After forwarding the report to the Cabinet, it will provide its decision over the said institution in six weeks’ time, MP Marasinghe furthered. Prof. Marasinghe pointed out this Committee commenced inquiring into this matter prior to the Easter Sunday terror attacks. MP Marasinghe together with UNP MP Bandulala Bandarige were speaking at après brief held in Parliament premises yesterday evening.
“Many believe that we started to inquire into this establishment only after the Easter Sunday carnage. However, we have started looking into it from July 2017. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe very clearly told us that there should be no Sharia universities in the country.” MP Professor Marasinghe pointed out.
Prof. Marasinghe said that they look forward to establish this education center as a degree awarding institution which is under 100% government supervision. “This institute will be a private university that offers paid courses, but it will be under 100% government supervision. All these steps will be taken, only after deciding if or not the said establishment can be accepted as a institution that reaches all standards,” Marasinghe explained. He pointed out the government has the capacity to take over the said education establishment at any given time.
Prof. Marasinghe further said that the said education center is still a “private company” which is registered under the Board of Investment.
“This establishment is well furnished. It has hostel facilities for around 300-600 students. We are investigating into the funding process in relation to this establishment. No education programs are currently taking place at this education center.”
Prof. Marasinghe said the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education and Human Resources Development is presently studying on education policies on Islamic education in Bangladesh and other countries with similar dynamics.