Govt. asks SAITM to stop recruitment pending policy changes

15 May 2017 09:02 am Views - 5657

Higher Education and Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella said the government had requested the South Asia Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) to stop the admissions of fresh batches of students until the policy decisions regarding it and private medical education were implemented

He said the request was made by the Ministry through the University Grants Commission (UGC).“We hope SAITM will respond to positively to this,” he said.

The government has decided to list SAITM and any other private organization involved in medical education on Colombo Stock Exchange. Additionally, it has been decided to appoint an administration board to maintain standards in medical education. The government had also taken a decision to take over the Neville Fernando Hospital, and to increase scholarship slots at these institutions.

He said the government should speed up work with regards to the takeover of this hospital. He said this should take place within the next couple of months.