Sri Lanka has long been celebrated for its commitment to free education, a legacy that has empowered generations to pursue their dreams, regardless of their socio-economic background. However, as we find ourselves at the crossroads of a rapidly evolving global landscape, it becomes necessary to reevaluate our approach to higher education. The time has come to explore the idea of opening up the higher education sector to private universities, particularly in fields like medicine, technology, IT, and other professional domains.

One of the issues we face today is the substantial amount of money that flows abroad as Sri Lankan students seek higher education opportunities overseas. According to government figures, an estimated 2.5 billion US Dollars flows out of the country annually as students pursue foreign education. While this trend signifies the ambition and determination of our youth, it also represents a significant financial drain on our nation’s resources.
The existing state universities, despite their best efforts, can only accommodate a fraction of the eligible students. This situation has led to intense competition and stress for those vying for limited seats. It is time to acknowledge that this bottleneck is unsustainable and does a disservice to the potential of our youth. According to data from the University Grants Commission (UGC), in 2022, nearly 160,000 students applied for university admission, while only about 32,000 were admitted.
However, change is often met with resistance, and the higher education sector is no exception. Some academics and university student unions vehemently oppose the idea of private universities, fearing it would dismantle the free education system initiated by C.W.W. Kannangara. It’s essential to emphasise that advocating for private universities does not equate to dismantling free education, but rather expanding its horizons to meet modern needs.

The archaic views held by a segment of intellectuals must evolve. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has frequently spoken about the need for higher education reform, and the time has come for action.
Private universities can offer a complementary role in our higher education landscape. They can provide alternatives for students who aspire to pursue specialised fields that are not adequately catered to by existing state universities. For example, the demand for courses in technology and IT is on the rise, and private universities can fill this gap effectively. Moreover, they can alleviate the pressure on the Advanced Level exam, which currently serves as the sole eligibility criterion for university admission.
To ensure accessibility, we should also consider alternative entry pathways, such as professional qualifications and foundation courses, for those who may not excel in traditional academic assessments. This approach will ensure that higher education is more inclusive and accommodating to diverse talents and interests.
In countries around the world, private universities coexist with public institutions, fostering healthy competition, innovation, and greater choice for students. Sri Lanka should not shy away from embracing this model to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
While expanding the higher education sector in Sri Lanka is a vital step, it’s essential to acknowledge and address some of the pressing issues that currently plague state universities as well. One such issue is ragging, a deeply ingrained and harmful tradition that often involves the physical and psychological harassment of new students by senior students.
Ragging not only poses a significant threat to the mental and physical well-being of students but also tarnishes the reputation of our universities. To create a conducive learning environment, strict measures should be taken to eliminate this abhorrent practice.
Additionally, state universities in Sri Lanka have long been plagued by a toxic political culture that often leads to disruptions in academic activities and hinders the overall learning experience. The interference of political factions in university matters has been a longstanding challenge. The establishment of private universities can offer a way to reduce the influence of external political forces, allowing institutions to focus on providing quality education.

It is of utmost importance to tackle issues like ragging and toxic political culture within state universities to create a safe learning environment for all students. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of free education in Sri Lanka continues to empower and uplift generations to come.