The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna

¶ 01 Thank you for the question, Hon. Member. You raised it on a couple of occasions. We are discussing how to expand opportunities.

¶ 02 Through our current education reforms, we are not limiting higher education to universities alone but channelling a large number of students into vocational education. Integrating vocational education into school education is one part of this. Another is creating an uninterrupted pathway from vocational education into higher education, and also expanding opportunities in vocational education. By higher education we mean all forms of education pathways. Prioritising vocational education is our policy because, aligned with the ongoing economic programme, it is a sector that can create jobs.

¶ 03 On transnational education, we are focusing on integrated exchange programmes between state universities and other universities. Beyond the 28 recognized institutions you referred to, our work now is to ensure quality enhancement. We must align opportunities for students with needs and capabilities and with the UNESCO competency-based policy approach. We will act to create those opportunities accordingly.

¶ 04 Regarding the Kotelawala Defence University, the issue arose originally because it began as a defence university. However, a number of children of civilian parents are also studying there. From the health side, by next year the number of house officers will fill up the hospitals, so we must carefully assess needs and our ability to recruit medical graduates coming out this period. We are reviewing this in a multi-stakeholder manner. Universities are not being closed; that should be emphasized. But we are conducting a review at this juncture. Further, KDU is a university under the Ministry of Defence, not under the University Grants Commission. Nevertheless, we contribute to that process.