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

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, I answer:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Non-academic positions under the University Grants Commission: - Universities: 13,290 - Higher Educational Institutes: 654 Also: - Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka: 109 - Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka: 111 - University of Vocational Technology: 148 - Ocean University of Sri Lanka: 219 - General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University: 504

¶ 03 (ii) Recruitment details for UGC universities are given in Annex 01; for other institutions, in Annexes 02–06. Annexes 01–06 are placed in the Library.

¶ 04 (iii) Recruitment to non-academic positions in UGC institutions is conducted under the Institutional Manual 2023 and UGC circular provisions. For other institutions: Buddhist and Pali University as per its scheme; Bhiksu University as per its Selection Committee decisions; University of Vocational Technology via press notices and procedure; Ocean University similarly; Kotelawala Defence University follows the UGC-approved process.

¶ 05 (b) Does not arise.

¶ 06 Supplementary: The Hon. Member raised concerns about politically driven recruitment lists. The Deputy Minister stated that historically lists from politicians were used, but since 2024 such influence has reduced. Around 16,000 recruitments have been approved and conducted at university level without political interference. Aggrieved parties can complain to the university, the UGC, or the Ministry.

¶ 07 Further supplementary: On unregulated affiliated degree-awarding entities, the Deputy Minister said a policy committee has decided to register all higher education institutions and review curricula. Discussions with BOI are underway. The aim is unified registration and regulation for all HEIs and courses to ensure quality and credibility, with rapid implementation.