When asked whether Narada Dissanayake had necessary qualifications to be the Secretary of the committee, Nawarathne added that Dissanayake would only handle administration and would not be entitled to any salary as the Secretary of the committee.

Speaking to ‘Asian Mirror’, the Secretary also said that the committee is not allowed to make decisions at its sole discretion as it has to depend on many other bodies when it comes to non-state degree awarding institutions.

“The committee has to depend on many other sub committees when it comes to decision making. Such sub committees are independent from the main committee of which Narada Dissanayake is the Secretary” Nawarathne said.

When asked whether the appointment of the Higher Education Minister’s son as the Secretary of the Committee amounts to a conflict of interest, the Secretary said no such issue would arise as it was a perk-free job.

Dr. Nawarathne has worked under Minister S.B. Dissanayake for nearly 15 years.