The institution referred to as the Shariah University in Battocaloa will be opened on January 03, former Eastern Provincial Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah said.

He said the institution would not be taken over by the government, but would be operated with the support and cooperation from the government.

However, the former Governor added that all political leaders, including President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposiiton Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa would promise to take over the institution during their election campaigns.

"There is no provision to take over this institution even under the Emergency Regulations," he added.

Hizbulla also added that there was no truth in reports that this institution would only be confined to the Muslim community.