The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Speaker, under Standing Order 27(2), I draw the attention of the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to the following:

¶ 03 Under the Ceylon Institute of Social Work established in 1952 as the first higher education professional training institute for social work, diploma and higher diploma programmes were conducted. In 1992, via the National Institute of Social Development Act No. 41 of 1992, it became the National Institute of Social Development (NISD), a higher education institution for professional education, training and research in social work. In 2005, on UGC recommendation, the Government recognized it under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 to award degrees. It now offers BSW and MSW degrees, with many students, including from the Eastern Province, serving locally and abroad.

¶ 04 Despite long-standing efforts and student protests (notably in 2019 and 2025) seeking affiliation with a national university, no concrete action occurred. I understand a technical committee led by Senior Prof. Prema Kumara De Silva prepared a proposal per Cabinet decision of 17 March 2025 and your instructions, and submitted it to you on 5 [date provided to the Minister]. I therefore ask:

¶ 05 1. Will you agree to affiliate NISD to a national university? 2. Is there a possibility to do so in the future? 3. What steps have been taken so far?