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

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I answer on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to the Question raised by the Hon. Kins Nelson.

¶ 02 (a) (i) The number of universities offering the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree is 04.

¶ 03 1. University of Colombo 2. University of Peradeniya 3. Eastern University, Sri Lanka 4. The Open University of Sri Lanka

¶ 04 (ii) As above.

¶ 05 (iii) Annual intakes are as follows:

¶ 06 - University of Colombo • B.Ed. Honours in Primary Education – 2021/2022: 130 • B.Ed. Honours (direct intake) – 2022/2023: 75 - University of Peradeniya • B.Ed. Honours – 2021/2022: 167 - Eastern University, Sri Lanka • B.Ed. Honours – 2021/2022: 34 - The Open University of Sri Lanka (2024) • B.Ed. Honours (General) – 27 • B.Ed. in Drama and Theatre – 31 • B.Ed. in Special Needs Education – 159 • B.Ed. Honours in Primary Education – 2,158 • B.Ed. Honours in Natural Sciences – 05

¶ 07 Notes: (1) Admissions are made in Sinhala, Tamil and English media. Students are selected based on first-year results of those admitted to the relevant faculties via the University Grants Commission. (2) From 2024, the B.Ed. Honours in Primary Education at Colombo admits directly based on G.C.E. (A/L) results. (3) The Open University admits through a competitive examination. (Data as at 30 June 2024.)

¶ 08 (iv) Yes.

¶ 09 (v) Yes. The current B.Ed. will be conducted through Faculties of Education so as to develop competencies in teaching Science, Mathematics, ICT and related subjects via the Humanities and Social Sciences stream. By developing current human and physical resources, intakes are expected to be increased in the future.

¶ 10 (b) Not raised.

¶ 11 Additional clarification: We are increasing university intakes this year, paying special attention to academic/non-academic staffing and student infrastructure such as canteens and hostels.