Education

Sri Lanka Lawmakers Call for Higher Education Commission to Regulate Private Universities

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.

Reporter

Recent Posts

Sri Lanka to Reopen Schools Nationwide After Cyclone Ditwah, With Special Measures for Affected Areas

Schools across Sri Lanka that were closed due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone…

1 month ago

Australia Strengthens Ties with Sri Lanka During High-Level Visit

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, and International Education, Julian Hill, has…

1 month ago

Notice on reopening preschools and early childhood development centers

All preschools and early childhood development centers that were closed due to the emergency disaster…

1 month ago

Sri Lanka Reschedules 2025 A/L Exams to January 2026 Following Severe Weather Disruptions

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examinations—previously…

1 month ago

Australia and UNFPA Step Up Emergency Support for Women and Girls Affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

Australia has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance…

1 month ago

Sri Lanka Teachers’ Union Calls for Urgent Financial Relief for Educators Hit by Disasters

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called on the Sri Lankan government to immediately introduce…

1 month ago