Ten districts, ten universities: New city universities for Sri Lanka in 2021
View(s):The Government has decided to set up the city university concept in Sri Lanka.
It hopes to introduce city universities, based on a new university entrance system, Senior Professor Janitha A. Liyanage said.
The Cabinet has approved the proposed amendments to implement the city universities, which will be in effect by 2021.
At a recent meeting about this matter, it was decided to establish ten such universities in ten districts which had no state universities, Prof. Liyanage said.
It was decided that these city universities would be built in the Kalutara, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Hambantota, Matale and Mullaitivu districts.
“The lands where the universities are to be set up have already been identified and the feasibility study of the project has already been completed,” Prof. Liyanage said.
These universities would offer two year diplomas and three year degree programmes, which could lead to four year degree qualifications as well, she said. She also said, student would not have to pay to enter these universities.
To be admitted to city universities students should have GCE A/L qualifications, and they would be required to complete an aptitude test and gain a sufficient grade for the test.
A total of 500 students could be enrolled in each of the universities each year, for various degree courses.
“Many people have raised concerns about the issues certain A/L students face when they have to wait for several years to enter state universities. Some students have not been able to start their degree courses right after they receive their A/L results,” Prof. Liyanage said.
“Each district is unique, and we intend to offer courses which will be beneficial for students who reside in each particular district. For instance degrees in tourism, food production and agriculture will be made available in the university in the Nuwara Eliya district,” she added.
“Meanwhile, those who wish to acquire internal training while they study can start the training session after they complete the diploma. After they finish training, they can continue their degree,” Prof. Liyanage said.
Only students who reside in each district will be given admission to each city university, she said. For instance, only students in the Kalutara district will be admitted to the Kaluatara city university.
“The city university admission will be based on a district system, instead of the Z-score system. The University Grants Commission (UGC) will not be involved in the admissions, and students will be selected according to their A/L results and their aptitude test grades,” Prof. Liyanage said.