Sri Lankan lawmakers have underscored the urgent need to establish a Higher Education Commission to oversee and regulate private universities and other degree-awarding institutions in the country. The position was emphasized during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, chaired by Member of Parliament Hesha Withanage.
Senior Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), noted that a dedicated commission would strengthen oversight of the expanding private higher education sector. He said such a body could build comprehensive data systems and create links with global universities, improving access to information on institutional standards and programme quality. This, he noted, would support more informed decision-making when evaluating new private institutions.
Officials from the Ministry of Education and the UGC echoed these views, citing ongoing concerns related to the operation and recognition of private universities in Sri Lanka.
Committee Chairman Withanage also raised alarms over the rise of substandard degree-awarding institutions, stating that some prioritize profit over educational quality. He stressed the need for greater oversight, ensuring that all processes—from student admissions to the awarding of degrees—remain under the supervision of the UGC, according to a statement issued by Parliament’s Department of Communications.
