Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr.Harsha De Silva stated that the report submitted by the Presidential committee on SAITM to President Maithripala Sirisena recommended the elimination of the current shareholder and management structure of SAITM.    

While responding to a question raised by journalists following an event in Colombo yesterday (25), Dr.Harsha De Silva stated that the report submitted to the President was devoid of bias and in no way favoured SAITM or its management. 

The deputy minister responded to the allegations levied against him by student groups who condoned the Presidential Committee stating that the report submitted contains proposals that fulfill the hidden ambitions of SAITM and its management, by stating that in his report, he clearly mentions the fact that the current shareholders and management of SAITM needs to be changed. 

He further stated that as a responsible government, the state will not hide behind excuses stating that SAITM was started under the patronage of the Rajapaksa regime thereby ridding the current government of any responsibility.   

“SAITM was started under the Rajapaksa government. We can hide behind the fact that it was not our mistake but as a responsible government we are working towards the creation of a solution for the desolate children who are caught in this issue” he said. 

Dr.Harsha De Silva further stated that the student groups who accuse him of being bias should review his recommendations and clearly comprehend the meaning of the term ‘abolish’. 

“SAITM was started without proper regulation nor standard therefore, we believe that the shareholders and management should be changed to create standards and have effective management. We also believe that private institutions should be given the right to provide higher education within Sri Lanka” said Dr.Harsha De Silva who also confirmed that the President will provide a solution to the issue that will comply with the ambitions of all involved parties.