Rs 5.6b, 17-storey complex for Colombo Uni. Medical Faculty
View(s):The Medical Faculty of the University of Colombo (UoC) is to have a 17-storey building costing more than Rs 5.6 billion, by 2020. The project once completed in three stages from this year will provide a range of facilities for the undergrads.
Initially, the Cabinet had approved the proposal in 2000, but due to the non-availability of funds the project had been delayed. Due to insufficient space to conduct exams and lectures, it has been the practice to hire nearby Colleges for UoC assignments which causes delays, the authorities pointed out.
“Research work and Para-clinical arrangements need space and huge strides have been made in these fields, although facilities were sufficient for only 25% of the students. As a result, some lectures had to be repeated, resulting in the waste of human resources. The Library is housed in a rented building, which is not appropriate for a Medical Faculty,” the UoC pointed out.
Construction started in 2014 with Treasury allocations, subject to approval by the Senate. Under the proposal, the Stage I of the project is estimated to cost Rs 232.7 million, Stage II Rs 1 billion and Stage III to cost Rs 4.4 billion.
The total cost of Rs 5.6 billion includes the furniture as well. - Damith Wickremaseka