PM seeks AG opinion on taking over ‘Sharia University’

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed his office to seek the Attorney General’s opinion on the possibility of taking over what is referred to as the “Sharia University”, using the extremist views expressed by the founders as a reason.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Ekanayake has been advised to seek the AG’s opinion to take over the non-State education facility using Article 70 (F), following comments made by the founding Chairman of the institution M.L.A.M. Hizbullah last week. 

The Article 70 F (1) states “Where the Minister considers it necessary to do so, in the public interest, he may by Order published in the Gazette, vest in the Government with effect from such date as is specified in such Order, any undertaking carried on by a Degree Awarding Institute.” Further items (2) to (4) of the articles further outlines the Power of the Minister to vest undertaking of a Degree Awarding Institute in the Government and the limitations. 

The Prime Minister also condemned the comments made by made by former Eastern Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah regarding the Muslim community recently. 

Addressing a meeting with civic groups earlier this week, Wickremesinghe emphasised that extremist remarks must be stopped immediately. (CD)