The Ministry of Higher Education and Highways has announced plans to increase annual state university intake by 10% in 2017.
In 2016, the ministry was successful in increasing the student intake by 10% and is now implementing plans to transform this into an annual increase.
In 2015, only 18% of the total students (approximately 300,000) who sat for the GCE Advanced Level examination gained entrance to a state university under the free education system. The students who do not gain entrance have to therefore enter the private education system in order to pursue their higher education dreams. However the government has recognised this to be a growing issue and have therefore introduced this increase.
The Sri Lankan government has also focused its attention towards the establishment of non-state universities that offer degree programmes. Currently Sri Lanka has 17 non-state universities under the supervision of the UGC and also plans to introduce an additional 25 universities.
For more information on the educational landscape in Sri Lanka or on UK educational opportunities in Sri Lanka please contact Chamath Peiris – Manager Higher Education & Education Services and cc to siemsouthasia@britishcouncil.org