Former minister alleges East denied opp. to meet Kalam

January 27, 2012, 9:26 pm , The Island.


Former Minister A. R. Mansoor told The Island that the people of the Eastern Province were saddened by the failure of the Indian HC to arrange a visit to the EP by former President Dr. A. P. J. Kalam.

Munsoor said that University students and academics in the East had expected the Indian leader to visit the EP. "We were not given the opportunity afforded to University students and students in the Northern Province," Munsoor said. "I, on behalf of the academic staff and the students of the South Eastern University, extended an invitation to Indian High Commission requesting for a visit of Dr. Abdul Kalam to the Eastern Coast. The officer in the Indian High Commission gave me hope that he would endeavour to include a visit to the South Eastern University by asking me to sending an email containing my invitation. Accordingly, the Ministers in the Cabinet were also informed about the event. Alas, he is not visiting the Eastern Province at all!`

Subsequently, I learnt that a visit to the East was not possible. I consider it as a great tragedy because men of his calibre rarely visit our land. The young generation of this part of the country have missed the opportunity of seeing and meeting this great man."`