Intake of medical students to universities increased: Education Minister

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

The number of students admitted to medical faculties of the universities has been increased by 350 for the first time in the history, Education Minister Prof. G.L. Pieris said during a discussion held at the Ministry.  

He said the decision was taken according to President’s National Policy Framework ‘Vision for Prosperity’.  

During the meeting, the Education Minister had advised the University Grant Commission (UGC) to take necessary actions to increase the number of students enrolled in universities compared to the previous years.  

However, the decision was taken after holding several discussion considering the required backgrounds and the capability of the UGC with Vice-Chancellors, Deans of all universities with medical faculties, the Ministry said.  

Therefore, a decision was taken to admit more students for medical faculties following the results of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A/L) 2019.  Secretary to the Ministry of Education Prof. Kapila Perera, UGC Chairman Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Janitha A Liyanage, officials of the UGC, Vice-Chancellors of the universities and Deans of Universities  participated the meeting at the Ministry.