It has been decided not to submit to the Cabinet the proposal on giving air tickets from the Government for family members of university dons who leave for postgraduate studies abroad, Government sources said.
It was reported that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Cabinet Secretary through Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake to revise some of the proposals that were submitted to the Cabinet in this regard.
The University dons have also urged the Government not to levy taxes on the payments made for setting the G.C.E. (A/L) question papers and answer scripts.
University dons get two opportunities for seven-year postgraduate studies abroad. Most of them also receive scholarships for this purpose.
Since most of them go with their family members to the country where the study course is based, they had requested the Government to grant air tickets for the family members as well.
They have also requested that they be exempted from taxes for the allowances due to them and also to appoint Vice Chancellors without an interview process. The President has suggested that the University Senate should nominate up to three names, one of which can then be confirmed.
This Memorandum encompassing these proposals has been submitted to the Cabinet through the Higher Education Ministry.