State universities to welcome 7000 more students next year: President Rajapaksa
View(s):Increased intake part of a scheme to gradually increase university student numbers
Student intake to be increased by another 15,000 students, in 2022.
The intake of students to state universities will be increased by 7,000 students next year on a directive by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, an Education Ministry official said.
Accordingly, the batch who sat for the G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) exams in 2019 will be the immediate beneficiaries. The plan is part of a scheme to gradually increase the student intake of universities.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his policy statement to the Parliament on Thursday, spoke about the proposed expansion of the university system, but did not disclose any figures.
“We will increase the capacity of universities enabling all students who pass the A/L exams to pursue university education,” the President said.
“Further, we will take measures to improve the Open University network and Distance Learning methods. The curriculum will be revised to ensure that these degree subjects will directly contribute to the growth of the economy ,” he said.
According to the plan, by 2022 the intake is to be increased by 15,000 more students. Currently, state universities admit around 26,000 students each year to all campuses.
The Education Times learned that the new Education Minister G.L. Peiris met with Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera and University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga to speak about the new arrangements.
The Vice Chancellors of 15 universities had also been consulted about increasing the intake by 7,000 students , and approval was reportedly granted for the increase.
However more facilities would be required to increase the intake by 15,000 students. With the intake of students being increased by 7,000 students next year, university authorities should also be able to provide additional facilities, such as following lectures online. ( C )