The Nation, 26/06/20111, By Dinidu de Alwis
The government would not be selling computers to university entrants who do not take part in the “leadership training” programme, Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne said.
Speaking to The Nation, Nawaratne said that the computers are not to be given free, as told before, but would be given on “either cash basis, or six or twelve-month easy payment schemes,” and added that those who cannot afford to pay for it can complete the payment upon graduation.
Nawaratne added that the computers are to be subsidised by the government. “We are selling a computer which is worth around Rs.100,000 in the market, at around Rs.71,000,” Nawaratne said.
However he had earlier said that the training was not compulsory and students would still be given university entrance, but students who have not completed the training will not be given complementary laptops and a dongles.
A letter sent under the signature of Nawaratne to students who underwent training in the first batch stated that it was mandatory that the students report to their respective training centres. It also stated that every student would be awarded a certificate at the completion of the training programme, and the certificate is a document which confirms that the student has completed the training required to enter the university.
The government later remained non-committal on students who do not participate in the training programme, but said a “special” programme will be arranged to ensure maximum participation.
