Setting up of private universities:

Minister to meet all parties

Dinesh De Alwis

An all party discussion regarding the establishment of private universities in Sri Lanka will be held soon, Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake said.

The Minister said Inter University Students’ Federation will also be invited.

He was addressing a gathering at Sanasa Uththamavi Ladies College.

Privatizing of education is a controversial topic in Sri Lankan education system and an outcry has been made by Inter University Students’ Federation over it. A few weeks ago the Higher Education Minister said reputed international universities will be granted permission to open their branches in Sri Lanka.

“Recently I had a discussion with the Manipur University Vice Chancellor regarding setting up their branch here.

“He agreed to grant 20 scholarships to our students who have financial problems.

“After establishing private universities, we will allow 20 hours time to university lecturers to teach in private universities.

Today, universities pay only Rs 800 per hour to a lecturer and they can earn Rs 5,000 per hour will allow teaching in private universities,” Minister said.