SJB Parliamentarian Imthiaz Bakeer Markar appreciated the decision taken by Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana to rename the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund after founder Lalith Athulathmudali.
Speaking during the debate on Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, MP Markar said it shows our gratitude as a nation in respect of the great human Athulathmudali who introduced this fund for the benefit of university students.
He said, “Today all political party representatives speak about late Minister Athulathmudali as he was a leader who was very sensitive towards the people’s requirements. Actually, this is what the people expect from politicians. We need an administration which is sensitive to the people’s grievances and requirements. Today we highly feel this urgent requirement. Therefore, I request all responsible persons to seriously consider this.”
MP Markar said when we were in universities there was no such non- payable financial scheme to assist university students who came from difficult family backgrounds. Those days, there was only a loan scheme which had to be repaid once we are employed. Therefore, the late Athulathmudali took a giant step forward on behalf of the university students.
He said today some people say Unut ekai, munut ekai (both are the same). However, it is not fair to underestimate the service rendered by our past leaders. “We still remember the service done by politicians such as C.W.W. Kannangara and T.B. Jayah. The graduates were produced even from the makeshift houses due to the steps taken by them to develop the education sector. We should appreciate the service done by those leaders to enable the children of ordinary families to come forward and pursue their higher education.”