State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan unveils ambitious plans to introduce multiple degrees through state universities and establish three international universities within Sri Lanka, drawing on insights from international education experts and aiming to elevate the country’s educational standards.
In a significant move to bolster Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan has unveiled plans to revolutionize the educational landscape by offering multiple degrees through state universities and establishing three international universities within the country. These initiatives, informed by consultations with international education experts, aim to elevate the quality and accessibility of higher education in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Raghavan disclosed that two of the three international universities are currently in the establishment phase, with the third slated to commence operations by May of this year. Notably, the Indian Institute of Technology is set to be inaugurated in Kandy, while the other two universities will have branches affiliated with prestigious institutions from the United States and the United Kingdom, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Addressing the press at a briefing held at the Presidential Media Center, Dr. Raghavan outlined plans to establish the new Higher Education Development Commission, chaired by former Chief Justice K. Sri Pawan. This commission will focus on formulating the legal framework necessary for advancing higher education in Sri Lanka, integrating recommendations from the Wijedasa Rajapaksa Committee and the Committee Report of the University Grants Commission.
Furthermore, discussions are underway to collaborate with Australian higher education institutions, with invitations extended to the Australian Higher Education Minister and chancellors from prominent Australian universities to visit Sri Lanka. Their visit aims to assess Sri Lanka’s educational landscape and explore potential avenues for collaboration and enhancement.
Amidst these ambitious initiatives, Dr. Raghavan reiterated the importance of regulating the private higher education sector while assuring that there are no intentions to commercialize education. The State Minister emphasized the need for quality education accessible to all, aligning with Sri Lanka’s vision for a robust and equitable higher education system.
