University admissions to be increased

Dharma Sri ABEYRATNE

COLOMBO: The Ministry of Higher Education has taken steps to increase the number of university admissions from next year in accordance with the Government’s decision. Accordingly 20,000 students will be admitted to the universities.

University Grants Commission sources said that moves are under way to upgrade facilities of almost all universities by the Higher Education Ministry aiming to cater to the academic and non-academic requirements of additional students.

Even though 36,000 students have applied for university admissions to follow various programmes this year, only 18,000 have been admitted to the universities. \`Hence, the Higher Education Ministry has drawn its attention to increase the student enrolment percentage and start job oriented programmes at universities.

The University Grants Commission has already discussed this matter with Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura and Sabaragamuwa University authorities and a final decision will be taken before July 23.