The Government is set to formulate a national policy outlining standard criteria for student hostel facilities at State universities, following a high-level discussion held at the Ministry of Education.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, included the nine-member committee appointed to review student hostel conditions across Sri Lanka’s State university system.
During the session, the committee formally presented its report on current challenges and deficiencies in university hostel infrastructure, prompting the Prime Minister to stress the urgent need to address these issues and improve facilities.
In response to the findings, Dr. Amarasuriya proposed the creation of a comprehensive national policy that would establish clear criteria and standards for hostel accommodation. The policy is expected to be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and representatives of university student bodies.
Committee Chairman Prof. K.L. Wasantha Kumara, along with other members, participated in the meeting, which is viewed as a significant step toward ensuring safe, adequate, and equitable housing for university students across the country.
The proposed policy is intended to guide infrastructure development, resource allocation, and future planning to support the growing student population in higher education institutions.
