Donor funds expected in education sector: Edu Min
View(s):The Education Ministry is expecting a flood of funds to flow in from international lending agencies for educational activities, when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) grants approval to its facility.
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha told Education Times that more than Rs 8 billion which is due to flow in has been held up after the Government declared the country bankrupt last year.
He said the funds are expected from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Kuwait Fund, Saudi Fund and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) among others.
He added that several projects, including those for infrastructure facilities at universities, have come to a standstill due to a lack of funds. Dr Premajayantha said that with the availability of funds, construction of several projects could continue after contractors are paid their dues.
University Grants Commission Chairman Prof Sampath Amaraunga said that Rs 3 billion was expected for the upgrading of universities from the World Bank, while Saudi Funding was expected for a Medical Faculty to be constructed at the University of Moratuwa.
He said that funding was also expected for a Medical Faculty at the Sabaragamuwa University.
Recruiting more lecturers, as well as expanding the capacity of hostels in keeping with the increase of the intake to universities, was held back due to the lack of funds.
He said universities will be able to function smoothly if the funding is received.
-DWI
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