Across the board consensus for private Universities

President, SJB MPs and govt. members agreed in Parliament for the establishment of private universities

• Standards should be designed for private sector universities

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

Across the board consensus was seen between President Ranil Wickremesinghe, SJB MPs and government members during the budget debate in parliament yesterday, for the establishment of private higher education institutes and universities.   

“Let’s talk about it and decide on it. We can have either non-profit educational institutions or otherwise. Sri Lanka will be able to save US $ 3 billion which is spent to educate our children abroad. We can even earn US 10 billion if Sri Lanka becomes a regional educational hub,” the President said.   

Chief opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella who responded questioned as to whether some MPs in the ruling party allow non-governmental educational institutions. “It was former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who set up the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM). However he opposed it when the Yahapalana government continued it. The Supreme Court approval was given for SAITM just one month after it was closed,” Mr. Kiriella said.   

One Time Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake said SAITM was established during his tenure as the subject Minister. Sri Lanka media council went against SAITM after the first batch came out. SAITM suffered financial losses and could not function during that time. However lets restart it if everyone is welcoming it,” he said    MP Kavinda Jayawardene said it’s time to give up petty politics and allow expansion of the education sector.   MP Tissa Attanayake said standards should be designed for private sector universities.   

MP Namal Rajapaksa who is head of a sub-committee of the National Council said his sub-committee will also come up with some proposals. He also stressed for an action plan for education reforms. 

Meanwhile the President said there should be an age limit to become students in universities. “I was 21 when I passed out of the university . However some have remained in universities till they are past 35. This cannot be allowed. The students federation should be aware of this fact,” he said.