Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed the establishment of 24 open community universities across Sri Lanka’s 24 districts to create a more educated and skilled workforce. Speaking at an event in Udunuwara, he emphasized the importance of increasing access to higher education to build a knowledge-driven economy.
Premadasa highlighted that the initiative would enhance opportunities for higher education, promoting lifelong learning and fostering both urban and rural development through flexible degree programs and community engagement.
He mentioned that under a Samagi Jana Balawegaya government, this ambitious educational development program would be launched through public-private partnerships.
During the event, he donated Rs. 1,177,000 worth of classroom equipment and sound systems to Udunuwara Davulgala Veligalla Udaaludenia Maha Vidyalaya and contributed Rs. 100,000 to the school’s development fund.
Premadasa also stressed the need for Sri Lankans to learn Chinese and Hindi alongside English to tap into the world’s largest labor markets. He argued that promoting English language education is essential for genuine patriotism and national interest.
Under the “Husma” program, Samagi Jana Balawegaya has donated Rs. 190 million worth of medicines and hospital equipment to 63 hospitals. Additionally, the “Sakwala” bus program has provided 89 buses worth Rs. 432 million to 89 schools, while Rs. 389 million has been allocated for classroom equipment for 351 schools under the “Sakwala ICT program.” (Newswire)