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

¶ 01 Disabled Students Studying at State Universities: Facilities (Q. 1323/2025)

¶ 02 On behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, I reply:

¶ 03 (a) (i) Facilities exist for students with disabilities to pursue certain degree programmes under universities functioning under the University Grants Commission (UGC): candidates with physical disabilities can study Biology, Physical Science, Commerce and Arts; visually impaired candidates can study Arts degrees. At present, opportunities are not available for all degree programmes. A policy for students with disabilities has been prepared, and arrangements are being made to admit such students to additional programmes.

¶ 04 (ii) Universities that admit visually impaired students provide Braille and enlarged font materials. Special software training is provided, enabling visually impaired and other special-needs students to have question papers prepared in suitable formats for screen-reading and to listen to them; voice-typing facilities are provided for oral answers.

¶ 05 (iii) The UGC has approved a new policy to grant university admission to any first degree programme for students with disabilities; with its implementation, facilities will be further expanded.

¶ 06 (iv) Facilities during examinations include: - An extra 10 minutes per hour (30 minutes for a 3-hour paper); - Separate examination centres for all special-needs (disabled) candidates; - Provision of computers for voice-typing and for reading question papers where required; - Transport from hostels to universities in some cases; - Extended time windows to submit in-class assessments after lectures, considering specific disabilities; - For candidates with writing difficulties, audio recording of dictated answers and a staff scribe to write answers on behalf of the candidate; - Enlarged-font question papers; - Special seating/arrangements (e.g., wheelchair-compatible seating), and relocating exams to lower floors when necessary; - Fair opportunities with necessary aids such as magnifiers.

¶ 07 (v) Fair opportunities are ensured as above.

¶ 08 (vi) Some universities allow answering examinations using computers.

¶ 09 (vii) Measures taken by some universities to facilitate library use include: - Talking books projects; - Books in Braille and printed books made audible through special software; - Easier-access entrances; - Assistance from library staff; and - Refreshment facilities.

¶ 10 (b) (i) Yes. At present four universities provide necessary facilities; by next year, using Rs. 200 million, this will be expanded up to five universities, admit students to all programmes, and provide facilities according to needs.

¶ 11 (ii) As above; accessibility will be expanded in line with the new policy to admit physically disabled students across all programmes.

¶ 12 (iii) Provisions are being arranged in the 2026 Budget for universities under the UGC to improve accessibility and facilities for disabled students.

¶ 13 (c) Does not arise.

¶ 14 Regarding supplementary questions: We have discussed, at the supporting committee for higher education, establishing a dedicated centre in each university for students with disabilities, including specialized units and staffing for translation and assistive technologies. This will be integrated as we implement the new policy, and recommendations are being prepared by the Policy Planning Committee for universities and other higher education institutions.

¶ 15 On admissions: Currently, a significant number are admitted under special admission to about four programme clusters; decisions underway will expand opportunities across all programmes, including Science and Medicine, enabling inclusive education beyond the initial four programme areas. This will be reflected in the forthcoming policy.