Shocked to see charge sheeted VC appointed as MP - Minister

Ismail appointed National List MP

Disna Mudalige and Camelia Nathaniel-Saturday, June 9, 2018

A former vice chancellor of the South Eastern University facing a list of charges currently being investigated by the University Grants Commission, has ironically taken oaths as an MP last morning, Higher Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr.Wijayadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament yesterday.

“The former Vice Chancellor has had many charges levelled against him. Even the CoPE Committee had received a host of complaints that he was maintaining his home expenses, including water bills and electricity bills with university funds. I was shocked to note that this person who is facing many charges, Dr. Ismail had in fact taken oaths as an MP yesterday morning.

His charge sheet is very long and the CoPE Committee had recommended that he be investigated, which is currently being done by the University Grants Commission. But shockingly, he has taken oaths as an MP. This is not a political party issue, but this is the reality we face today,”Rajapaksha said.

Many issues had been reported at the South Eastern University and the government had taken measures to appoint a new Vice Chancellor.But he too is finding it very hard to carry on his duties due to the issues at the university.

“In fact some female students have complained to us that a lecturer named S.M. Alif is demanding sexual favours from the female students and if they don’t comply, they would not be passed. We have received many complaints about him,” the Higher Education Minister said.

Ismail appointed National List MP

Minister Rishad Bathiudeen handing over the appointment letter to S.M.M. Ismail.

A.B.ABDULGAFOOR Ampara District Group Corr.-Monday, June 11, 2018

South Eastern University Former Vice Chancellor Dr. S.M.M.Ismail was appointed a national list MP from the United National Party (UNP). He was sworn in, in front of the Speaker Karu Jayasooriya on Friday (8).

Following the resignation of M.H.M. Navavi, All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) Dr.S.M.M.Ismail was appointed. The party signed an agreement with the UNP at the 2015 General Election pledging its support to the UNP. The ACMC was given one national list MP from the UNP list.

Minister Rizad Badiudeen promised to the Ampara people a national list MP during his election campaign. M. H.M. Navavi was appointed for the first three years. After Navavi’s resignation, Ismail was appointed.

The TNA won one, UNP 4, and UPFA 2 seats in the 2015 General Election.