Russia expresses concern on delisting of three universities in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News1st): Russia has expressed concern over the delisting of three Russian Universities by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) without prior notice. The SLMC had recently delisted The People's Friendship University, The Pirogov Russian National Research University and Tver State Medical University, from its approved list of universities. In a statement, the Russian embassy in Colombo said they hope that this decision will not affect scholarships issued by Russian government to Sri Lankans. The statement adds that if young individuals would lose an opportunity to pursue their higher studies if these benefits are not granted. Trade ties between the two countries were affected when Sri Lanka had attempted to ban imports of asbestos from Russia. "Sri Lanka exports a large amount of tea to Russia. These trades were always conducted in a manner that is highly beneficial for Sri Lanka," Jayantha Karunaratne, the chairman of the Colombo Tea Traders Association said. Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers Association has said that the SLMC must issue a statement clarifying their actions. "The issue we have right now is that the underlying ambitions of certain members if the medical council are unclear," GMOA editor Dr. Haritha Aluthge said. He insisted that the SLMC must reveal the reasons behind the decision it it was done in good faith.