Aussie universities planning to set up branches here - SB

Ishara Mudugamuwa

The Australian government is willing to work with Sri Lankan universities and colleges of technology. They are looking for places in Sri Lanka to establish branches of their universities, said Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake.

He was addressing the media after discussions with an Australian delegation led by Australian Labour Party Member for Calwell (Victoria) Maria Vamvakimou at the ministry recently.

"It will be a great opportunity for Sri Lankan students. The Higher Education Ministry is trying to make maximum use of this opportunity. We discussed about reforms about higher education in Sri Lanka. These acts will be introduced in the near future, " he said.

The minister also said that Sri Lankan universities maintain a good standard. "Ragging in Sri Lankan universities have reduced by 99 percent except in Ruhuna and Peradeniya universities. Vice chancellors and academic staff of those universities have a responsibility to prevent ragging."

"Several complaints were made recently about the deterioration of discipline among some students of the Homagama Buddhist and Pali University. Discipline among students is essential at universities," he said.