The Hon. (Dr.) Madhura Senevirathna - Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, thank you for the time.

¶ 02 The 2026 Budget can be viewed as an extension of the initial stabilization budget. We first worked to stabilize the economy; now we are moving to development targets. In less than a year we have reached many targets, and even completed some. While we are not perfect, we will outline what we have achieved in this short period.

¶ 03 In higher education, a degree is not just a certificate; it bears the word “university,” signifying universal education. Therefore, we are moving higher education towards universal standards.

¶ 04 We faced multiple initial challenges. Regarding student welfare, our first problem was university hostels. Hostels are not mere lodging; they must support academic work, study mindset, and learning—ideally with internet facilities—many of which were lacking. Moreover, some programs had commenced without faculties being in place. While the Opposition now critiques our policy, what policies did they leave? We inherited universities where programs had started without faculties—such as Uva Wellassa University and the University of Moratuwa—leaving us to build the required faculties. We have planned to provide faculties for all such programs by the 2026 Budget.

¶ 05 Beyond hostels, we must address university libraries, which are not just rooms with books but knowledge hubs; also sanitation and health systems; canteens which, like in many schools, are not up to standard; medical centers; and sports facilities. Students need healthy lives in addition to studies—requiring doctors and medical centers—sports grounds and equipment, and robust internet connectivity. Globally, universities are networked through the internet into common systems.

¶ 06 What have we done in 2025?

¶ 07 - University infrastructure: - University of Jaffna, Kilinochchi: Faculty of Technology teaching Engineering Technology and Biosystems Technology – LKR 491 million. - University of Ruhuna: Faculty of Science – LKR 1,660 million. - Eastern University: Faculty of Communication and Business Studies – LKR 701 million. - For 2026, we have allocated: - University of Moratuwa: Faculty of Business building – LKR 300 million. - University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Faculty of Allied Health Sciences building – LKR 800 million.

¶ 08 - Medical faculties (2025 actuals): - University of Colombo – LKR 5,413 million. - University of Jaffna – LKR 649 million. - University of Ruhuna – LKR 2,488 million. - For 2026 (planned): - Uva Wellassa University Medical Faculty – LKR 600 million. - Eastern University Medical Faculty Professorial Unit – LKR 300 million. - University of Moratuwa Medical Faculty Professorial Unit – LKR 640 million.

¶ 09 - Infrastructure upgrades: - University of Peradeniya water pipeline modernization (a 50+ year-old system) – LKR 1,422 million (2025). - University of Colombo, Sripalee Campus library development – LKR 53 million. - Sabaragamuwa University sports ground – LKR 121 million. - University of Ruhuna, Faculty of Engineering facilities – LKR 200 million (2025 funds).

¶ 10 For 2026: - Vavuniya University canteen currently has only four walls; we will allocate LKR 64 million to complete it. - Peradeniya, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences: laboratory complex – LKR 120 million. - Vavuniya University medical center building – LKR 45 million. - There is a shortage of university medical officers; with the Health Ministry, we have agreed to staff all university medical centers through the health service.

¶ 11 Our biggest issue is hostels. For 2026, we have allocated LKR 1,500 million for 55 hostels, enabling accommodation for 16,000–18,000 more students. We will modernize a 50-year-old hostel at Peradeniya with LKR 1.5 billion. This is the first time in history such a large simultaneous hostel development is undertaken.

¶ 12 Education funding should not be a barrier. We have increased Mahapola and student bursaries. We also aim to bring foreign knowledge to Sri Lanka’s economy and human capital. As per the 2025 Budget, we are awarding scholarships for degree programs at internationally top-ranked universities (within top 100–500 globally). We will cover tuition, food, health insurance, and accommodation up to LKR 20 million per year, with a maximum of LKR 80 million for the full period. The initial admissions process for a small batch has begun. We will bind beneficiaries through bond agreements to return and serve, bringing back new knowledge.

¶ 13 Universities must be safe and dignified places. We have established an integrated mechanism to prevent all forms of violence in tertiary institutions. We are also expanding inclusive education: previously limited to four faculties for students with special needs, we have opened admissions across all faculties and all universities—an unprecedented reform attracting international attention.

¶ 14 Research and postgraduate education are critical for university rankings and development. We must invest in research and innovation.