The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we debate the Head of Expenditure of a very important Ministry, that of our Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe.

¶ 02 First, about the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). Hon. Minister, I think it comes under your Ministry. There are serious issues now. Under the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (Incorporation) Act No. 41 of 1980, Section 4 states its primary function is to promote and conduct marketing studies in universities and other higher educational institutions. Clause 3 of that section states that examinations and awarding of certificates or diplomas can be done only in collaboration with universities established under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 and with the concurrence of the University Grants Commission. Therefore, SLIM has no legal power to independently award educational qualifications; this raises serious questions regarding the validity of its certificates and diplomas, as they are not recognized by the UGC or universities. For over 50 years, thousands of students and graduates have spent money and time to obtain these qualifications. Therefore, Hon. Minister, I ask for a comprehensive legal review to ensure compliance with Act No. 41 of 1980. If not properly addressed, please regularize and protect the students’ and graduates’ qualifications, and coordinate with the Ministry of Education and the UGC to clarify this.