Govt. sells medical degree for Rs.7.5 million – Peradeniya rejects Students sent by UGC

FRIDAY, 03 MAY 2013 

Nine Sri Lankan students sent by University Grants Commission to the Faculty of Medicine of Peraduniya University yesterday (2nd) have been rejected.  The UGC had asked the University in writing to charge the students Rs.7.5 million at the rate of Rs.1.5 million (US$12,000) from each student annually.

With the arrival of the nine students at Peradeniya University students who have entered the University after passing the A/L examination have got disturbed and carried out a 'Sathyagraha' at University premises opposing the government's policy of selling the medical degree.

The University Senate decided to reject the students sent by the UGC only after the regular students carried out the 'Sathyagraha.'

The students who have had their education in foreign countries were asked to be admitted to Faculties of Medicine on a decision taken by the cabinet said a senior official of the UGC. Faculties of Medicine of Sri Jayawardenepura, Ruhuna, Kelaniya and Rajarata universities too have been asked to admit students who have had their medical education in foreign countries said the official.

He said the .5% ratio that existed to admit to Sri Lankan universities the Sri Lankan students in foreign countries has been raised to 5% at present.

TWO TEMPLES BROKEN INTO, STATUES AND CASH STOLEN

May 5, 2013 

Two metal statues of great historical significance have been stolen from the Anuradhapura Sama Viharaya. A statue of the Dedimunda deity and a Saraswati Devi Statue have been stolen, said the Chief Incumbent of the Vihara, Mahawilachchiye Wimala Thera.

The Thera said that he had returned to the temple last night, after attending a religious ceremony in Galle, when he notices that both statues were missing.

A complaint has been filed with the Anuradhapura Police regarding the theft while investigations are ongoing. 

Meanwhile it has been reported that thieves have broken into the Seenigama Temple in Hikkaduwa and stolen a gunny filled with cash, estimated at Rs 500,000. 

 Mitiyagoda and Elpitiya police stations are investigation the robbery which occurred last night when thieves had entered the room where money is stored by removing tiles from the roof and making a hole in the ceiling, police sources said.

Police suspect that the robbery was planned by persons who know about the room where the cash is stored and the temple in general.

It is also reported that the robbery had taken place just two months after a new caretaker was appointed for the temple, dedicated to the Devol Deviyo.