Minister of Education and Higher Education
1978-07-14
Prof. Dr. Anton Jayasuriya,
Dean of Studies, Medicina Alternative Institute
Affiliated to The Open International University,
Colombo.
Dear Dr. Jayasuriya,
The national educational policy of Sri Lanka under the present government, in which I am privileged to serve, has consciously sought to liberalize education, increase literacy and embrace all knowledge. In pursuance of egalitarian principles it embrace all knowledge. In pursuance of egalitarian principles it embarked upon a system of free and compulsory education and thus increased significantly the literacy rate of our peoples. The comprehensive approach has seen fruition in the establishing of our Open University and the expansion of University education to the Eastern province with the Vandaramoolai Campus and to the Southern province with the Ruhuna Campus and the establishment of Medical Colleges in Jaffna and Galle.
In June 19'7S, at my invitation. His excellency the President of Sri Lanka presided at the first convocation ceremony of the The Open international University for Complementary medicines after briefing his Excellency on the invaluable services that this Institution is rendering. Being the only such International Institute in Sri Lanka Not funded by the slate, it is outside the purview of the University Grants Commission.
Nevertheless, the knowledge it imparts will contribute significiantly to objective government seeks through the commission namely the widening of knowledge and its application in the service of humanity. For this the Faculty and the International Board of Directors deserve the highest praise.
The extension of the facilities to include Oro-facial Sciences, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences and Bio-medical Engineering studies will enable students from foreign countries to quality in these disciplines and gain accreditation at the graduate and post-graduate levels of The Open International University.
The electric overview of our government reflects itself in the recognition accorded to the ancient and time tested system of Ayurvedic Medicine. Homoeopathic Medicine will soon be given its rightful recognition.
Therefore, consequent to the broad national education policy of Sri Lanka, I now welcome the The Open International University. It will carry out graduate and post-graduate studies and certification as a private, non-state funding Institution. That this body does so without being a burden on government financing is both welcome and commendable.
I am recommending this Institution, which is a non-profit making organization, for classification as a Tax Free organization.
Minister of Education & Higher Education