Regarding the issue that SAITM students to sit for the Examination for Registration to Practice Medicine (ERPM) in Sri Lanka, or the Act 16 exam, Visiting Professor of Surgery at SAITM Prof. Neville Perera , addressing a press conference yesterday stated that as the ERPM only applies to graduates of foreign universities, SAITM students cannot sit for it. Prof. Perera said that the Common Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) test which local students of all eight medical faculties are required to take, is only used for creating a merit list.

He pointed out that a letter written by SAITM requesting permission for its students to sit for the Common MCQ exam was ignored. If there should be any examination it should be held at Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) with coordination of Ministry of Higher Education. “They didn’t give it to us because they were worried that a SAITM student might top the list beating students of all eight [government] faculties,” he said. Kotelawala Defence University has already produced couple of batches of doctors he added.

Prof. Deepal S. Weerasekara acting Vice Chancellor South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) stated that it is better to an international inquiry to assess the quality of not only SAITM but also state medical faculties and Kotelawala Defence University.

The Chief Executive Officer and Dean Administration of SAITM Dr. Renuke Sameera Senarathne says Malabe SAITM institute is a government recognized non-government medical college. He further said the University Grants Commission had given the due consideration and recognition in 2009.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Medical Council have also given the permission in this regard.  Dr. Senarathne also said a comprehensive police investigation is being carried out with regard to the shootout incident. Refusing allegations regarding the shooting, he said that there is no point of such stunt.

Speaking at this conference the Chairman of SAITM, Dr. Neville Fernando said a common MCQ paper should be set for all the state universities, SAITM and students coming from foreign universities to check their standards. “Let's hold a common MCQ for all the state universities, SAITM and all other medical students coming from foreign universities and see. I am sure our students will come on top. Only such a test can measure the standard. We have no faith in the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). If they were to hold the test, they are sure to fail our students,” he said. “If I wanted to make money, I would’ve started a casino” he added. Some politicians are opportunists, Dr. Neville further added.

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