Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Harini Amarasuriya announced in Parliament today (06) that student admissions to state universities for the 2025/2026 academic year will commence in the first week of September 2026.

She said that following the release of university cut‑off marks, all student registration lists will be forwarded to the respective universities by August 31, 2026. 

The exact dates for the start of courses will be determined individually by each university, she further said.

This year, 281,810 students sat for the Advanced Level Examination, of whom 176,538 qualified for university admission. 

PM Amarasuriya noted that out of them, 42,937 students are expected to be admitted to state universities.

She added that while the intake for first degree programs will not be increased this year, steps are being taken to expand facilities and ensure a more effective and quality education system for students. (Newswire)

The post State University admissions for 2025/2026 academic year to begin in September appeared first on Newswire.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that applications for university admission based on the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination results will be accepted from today (28) until May 19.

The results of the examination were released online on March 31. 

The 2025 Advanced Level Examination was conducted at 2,362 centres islandwide, with 281,810 candidates sitting for the exam. 

Of them, 221,413 were school candidates and 60,397 private candidates.

According to the UGC, 176,527 candidates have qualified to apply for university admission. (Newswire)

The post Applications open for University admission based on 2025 A/L results appeared first on Newswire.

A 19-year-old student was killed following a clash during a party organized by a group of private university students at a hotel on the Homagama–Moragahahena road on Thursday (09).

According to the Police, the deceased has been identified as a resident of Nikadalupotha, Wellawa. 

A magistrate’s inquiry is scheduled to be conducted regarding the body.

The Homagama police have launched further investigations and are working to apprehend the suspects involved in the incident. (Newswire)

The post 19-year-old uni student killed in clash at Homagama hotel party appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Higher Education has announced an extra allowance of the Mahapola Scholarship for university students affected by the severe weather disaster.

According to the ministry, another monthly allowance, in addition to the allowance paid on November 28, will be provided to affected university students.

The Ministry of Higher Education said that the extra monthly allowance of the Mahapola Scholarship will be paid on December 5. (Newswire)

The post Extra Mahapola Scholarship allowance for disaster‑affected uni students appeared first on Newswire.

The post Four new foreign university partnerships for Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.

The University of Colombo has warned the public about several misleading social media posts that misuse the university’s name in relation to research and development activities.

Issuing a statement, the university said it will be compelled to take action against the spread of misleading information, considering the serious impact on the university’s reputation and patient safety.

“The General public will be kept informed regarding the research and development activities of the university only through the official web page or social media page of the university.

“Even though there are several research studies conducted by the University, investigating the medicinal properties of herbal preparations, they are yet to reach the clinical trials stage or drug registration, and cannot be considered as medicines,” the university said. 

The University of Colombo further said that patients are advised to adhere to the registered medicines prescribed by qualified physicians.

The University of Colombo added that it is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of research and innovation. (Newswire)

The post Colombo Uni warns against misleading social media posts appeared first on Newswire.

The non-academic staff across several state universities in Sri Lanka launched a symbolic strike today. 

The University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) co-chairman, Mangala Dabarera, told the media that all non-academic staff of state universities refrained from reporting to duty. 

“The government has created several issues for non-academic staff through its budget proposals. Especially the reduction in its 20% allowance and overtime payments. They have also failed to increase the emergency loan as promised,” he said. 

Mangala Dabarera said the non-academic staff of state universities have been forced to launch a strike due to these reasons. 

He warned that if the government fails to resolve the issues within the next few days, they will be forced to launch a large-scale strike with the participation of other university trade unions. (Newswire)

The post University non-academic staff stage token strike appeared first on Newswire.

Young Sri Lankan university students have been selected to receive scholarships offered by China’s multinational technology corporation, Huawei, to learn cutting-edge technology.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, the selected students represent the universities of Peradeniya, Kelaniya, Ruhuna, Moratuwa, Wayamba, and Uva Wellassa.

The event to award the scholarships, held in Colombo yesterday, was attended by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Huawei Technologies Lanka CEO Zhang Jinse, officials from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, students, and parents.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne said Sri Lankan students who receive Huawei scholarships will be able to move forward in step with the world’s most advanced technologies and bring those benefits back to Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister Madhura Seneviratne also expressed his appreciation for the strong bridge of friendship being built between the two countries through such programs.

“Since the introduction of this scholarship program to Sri Lanka, it has gone beyond technical training and opened a pathway for our youth to access global-level knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and cultural exchange. This is a model for how we can directly empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. Our students must make the most of this opportunity, not only to shape their own futures but to inspire others to dream and aim higher,” he said. (Newswire)

The post Huawei awards tech scholarships to Sri Lankan undergraduates appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training has appointed a National Task Force to eliminate ragging, harassment, and violence across Sri Lanka’s universities and higher education institutions.

According to the ministry, the decision follows a meeting held on 14 May, under the aegis of Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training Harini Amarasuriya. 

The appointment was formalized by Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa as part of a renewed effort to foster safer and more inclusive learning environments.

The Task Force is mandated to address not only ragging but also various forms of violence and harassment affecting students, faculty, and non-academic staff, whether caused by fellow students or institutional authorities.

The 16-member panel includes academics, legal representatives, ministry officials, student union leaders, and representatives from child protection and law enforcement agencies. 

The Task Force will focus on developing national policies and legal frameworks to address violence and harassment in higher education, proposing institutional mechanisms to prevent such incidents and enable rapid response, conducting awareness programs as part of a national strategy to create a violence-free academic culture, and coordinating with state and non-state actors to protect victims and offer psychosocial support

The ministry further states that this initiative aims not just to respond to incidents, but to proactively build an academic environment founded on respect, safety, and dignity for all. (Newswire)

The post New Task Force to tackle incidents of ragging appeared first on Newswire.

General Secretary of the United National Party Young Professionals Organisation (Colombo Chapter), Attorney Delan De Silva, has publicly condemned the recent government decision to bar civilian students from entering the Medical Faculty of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU).

In a statement shared on ‘X’, De Silva called the move “a betrayal of our youth” and “a death blow to free education”, adding that it was not a policy, but sabotage. 

“Sri Lanka is short by over 15,000 doctors. Each year, nearly 800 students leave to study medicine abroad, draining $700–800 million in foreign exchange. Meanwhile, the Rs. 35 billion teaching hospital at KDU—built with taxpayer funds—is now off-limits to Sri Lankan civilians?” he questioned.

De Silva emphasised that the move deepens the country’s healthcare crisis and erodes public access to state-funded education.

“A university funded by the public cannot become a gated institution for the privileged few. If we are serious about healthcare and equity, this decision must be reversed immediately,” he further urged. 

News reports on the government’s decision, which have begun gaining traction online, are being widely shared by legal professionals, educators, and youth activists concerned about the militarisation of education and its implications for public policy. (Newswire)

The post “KDU decision a death blow to free education” – UNPYPO Gen Sec appeared first on Newswire.

The Sri Lanka Police has launched a probe into the death of a student at the Wayamba National College of Education in Bingiriya recently.

The Police said the second-year female student had died by suicide inside her dormitory at the college on Friday evening (23 May). 

They further said that statements have been recorded from several persons, including lecturers and students, regarding the death.

The Police added that after presenting facts to the relevant court on Saturday, a magisterial inquiry was to be conducted. 

Meanwhile, it is reported that a group of students from the college had held a silent protest against the college authorities, stating that the teachers of the college should be held responsible for the student’s death.

They alleged that the mental distress caused by harassment from some of the lecturers at the college made it impossible for the student to cope, leading to the decision to end her life. 

The deceased student is a 24-year-old resident of Teldeniya, Kandy. (Newswire)

The post Another student suicide : Police confirm probe appeared first on Newswire.

Six students from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura have been arrested on charges of assaulting and threatening a fellow student, Police said.

The arrests followed a complaint lodged with the Homagama Police, alleging that a third-year student from the Faculty of Technology was assaulted with helmets on April 29.

The students appeared at the Homagama Police Station on Tuesday, May 6, where they were taken into custody.

The suspects, residents of Kirindiwela, Delgoda, Buttala, Kuliyapitiya and Kalankuttiya, are 22, 23 and 24 years old, Police said. (Newswire)

The post 06 University students arrested for assault appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved proposals to enter into Memorandums of Understanding between Sri Lankan Universities and Foreign Universities from Japan, China, India, Norway, Australia, the United States, and South Korea.

The proposals were presented by the Prime Minister, in her capacity as the Minister of Higher Education, to sign the MOUs with foreign universities to raise Sri Lankan universities to the top of the world rankings and internationalize higher education collaborations with foreign universities.

As such, Cabinet approval has been granted to sign MOUs with the following foreign universities;

• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and the University of Wuhan in the People’s Republic of China with the objective of conducting education programs in the fields of mutual interest, including taking necessary steps for promotion, development, and establishment of education and research training programs, organization of combined workshops, conferences 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and the University of Isu in Japan with the objective of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between two parties with respect to higher education and science and technology, and transferring the information related to higher education, scientific research, and related activities and education staff, researchers, and students, and promotion of combined research activities. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and the University of Agder in Norway with the objective of development and promotion of combined research, education, and training programs, as well as conducting student and education staff transferring programs, combined workshops and training sessions, and transferring the publications. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and the University of Deakin in Australia with the objective of identification of short-term training courses and projects. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Moratuwa and the University of Linyi in the People’s Republic of China for participation in the conferences and academic meetings with the objective of promoting cooperation of the postgraduate programs based on the mutual requirements and benefits and transferring educational information and other information. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Peradeniya and the Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology, in India with the objective of transferring the relevant research and education programs and learning materials and other relevant literature information, and conducting programs such as organization of combined conferences or workshops, short term continuing education programs in the field of mutual interest. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka and Shandong University of Science and Technology in China with the objective of facilitation for transferring students, educational staff and researchers for limited time period in the collaborative fields such as supervision of combined research, learning, training, research and innovations including the first graduations, postgraduates and doctorates and conducting in-service training programs for probationary lecturers. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka and the State University of New York Cortland in the United States of America with the objective of promoting research collaborative programs, transferring faculty educational staff and students’ programs, educational opportunities in foreign countries, clinical experiences, and consultation and cultural programs. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the Open University of Sri Lanka and The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia with the objective of performing activities collaboratively in respect of graduate and postgraduate courses. 
• Memorandum of understanding between the University of Kelaniya and National Korean Maritime and Ocean University in the Republic of Korea with the objective of promoting education and combined research programs and organization of combined workshops and conferences. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lankan universities to sign MOUs with 10 foreign universities appeared first on Newswire.

Two female students were reported dead following an accident involving a bus transporting students of the Southern Campus of the General Sir John Kotalawala Defence University.

According to reports, the bus is said to have fallen into a precipice in the Dunhinda area in Badulla this morning.

The Deputy Director of the Badulla Hospital said 41 persons were brought to the hospital for treatment, among which two female students had succumbed to injuries. 

Speaking to the media, he further said that some of the injured are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

The post University bus topples in Badulla : Two deaths reported appeared first on Newswire.

The Attorney General has prepared a series of guidelines to eliminate incidents of ragging in state universities of Sri Lanka.

This was conveyed to a three-member Supreme Court bench consisting of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Shiran Gunaratne and Priyantha Fernando. 

The court was informed of the guidelines when the fundamental rights petition filed by a student affected by a ragging incident at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2020 was taken up in court. 

Responding, the Chief Justice instructed that the guidelines be forwarded to all universities, that any proposed amendments should be incorporated into the final draft, and that steps be taken to prepare and file the final draft before the court.

The FR petition requested an order to prepare guidelines for eradicating ragging in state universities.

The petitioner further claimed he sustained severe physical injuries and brain trauma after a large backhoe tyre was rolled down during a ragging incident at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, resulting in him being hospitalized for nearly three months. (Newswire)

The post AG prepares guidelines to end ragging at state universities appeared first on Newswire.

Cabinet approval has been granted for the proposal on the criteria for minimum qualification for enrolment of foreign students in degree-awarding institutions in Sri Lanka.

The government states that 5% has been allocated annually for foreign students in 17 universities which are under the University Grant Commission. 

It has been identified that the objective of turning Sri Lanka into a knowledge hub can be fulfilled by widening the opportunities of admission for foreign students to the 26 degree-awarding institutions which are recognised by Section 25(A) of the University Act. 

However, it has been observed that there is no definite procedure to determine the minimum qualifications which are considered for university admission by each country, as a required qualification to be admitted for a degree course of a recognized degree-awarding institution under Sri Lanka’s University Act. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Education to consider the minimum qualification recognized for university admission by the 193 United Nations Member countries as the minimum qualification to enrol foreign students for the degree programmes offered by institutions under the University Act in Sri Lanka.

Approval has also been granted to confirm the exceptional opportunities which are not revealed by aforesaid qualifications, from the UK NARIC institution. (Newswire)

The post Foreign students in SL universities : New cabinet decision appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police have resorted to firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse two student protests.

The Police first took measures to disperse a protest that was held near the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Thereafter, the Police had also taken measures to disperse a protest that was held near the Moratuwa University. 

It is reported that the demonstrations were organized in protest over a Cabinet decision to privatize higher education. (NewsWire)

The post Moratuwa & Jayawardenapura uni protests : Police fire tear gas appeared first on Newswire.

Cabinet approval has been granted for the establishment of a University of Science and Technology as a Public-Private Partnership with the USA.

According to the government, the need to establish a University of Science and Technology with the support of a prestigious university in the United States of America has been recognized by the authorities.

The university is to be established to prepare the foundation for producing a group of skilled professionals to lead the critical sectors of new scientific discoveries, technological innovation and sustainable development. 

The government stated that such a university will provide the opportunity to utilize modern methodologies, foster global academic linkages and create an enabling environment for research and development. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President to establish the proposed University of Science and Technology as a Public-Private Partnership by selecting one partner university from among several identified universities, including UC Berkeley, UC Riverside, UC Davis and the University of Michigan in collaboration with that university. (NewsWire)

The post Sri Lanka to build Science & Technology University in partnership with USA appeared first on Newswire.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has commenced the accepting of applications for university admissions for the academic year 2022/23.

UGC Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge stated that the applications will be accepted from September 14, 2023 until October 05, 2023.

Prof. Amaratunge further stated that the applications can be submitted online via the UGC’s official website www.ugc.ac.lk.

Following the release of the results of the 2022(2023) GCE Advanced Level Examination earlier this month, Prof. Amaratunge said plans were underway by the government to enroll around 45,000 students in state universities for the new academic year.

A total of 232,797 school applicants and 31,136 private applicants sat for the 2022(2023) GCE Advanced Level examination which was held from January 23 to February 17 this year.

A total of 166,938 candidates (149,487 school applicants and 17,451 private applicants) have qualified for university admissions. (NewsWire)

The post Notice for those who passed GCE A/L exam 2022 appeared first on Newswire.

Steps will be taken to establish an Agriculture and Plantation Research University by merging all institutions connected to the plantation industry and agriculture sector, Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Minister stated that the measure is being taken as per President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s concept.

The fundamental draft related to this has already been prepared, the Minister noted, and it is intended to complete the basic work this year.

He expressed these views during a press conference themed ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) yesterday (July 24).

The full statement of Dr. Ramesh Pathirana;

A year ago, plantations and agricultural centers faced a severe crisis due to the shortage of fertilizers. Due to this, the tea industry and other plantations also suffered some collapse. Soon after taking office, President Ranil Wickremesinghe launched a program to provide fertilizers to the farmers.

Therefore, the farmers are getting the fertilizers they need in a systematic way. All the fertilizers required for tea, coconut, rubber and other crops are available in the market at competitive prices. Fertilizer prices, which have increased in the world market due to the war situation, are currently decreasing. As a country, the agricultural and plantation sectors are now showing some effectiveness due to the timely availability of fertilizer to the farmers.

251 million kilos of finished tea was produced in 2022. As a result, it is expected that 280 million kilograms of finished tea would be ready by the end of this year. Last year, the price of tea increased drastically due to the decrease in production. Currently, the rupee is strengthening, which has resulted in a fall in tea prices. Tea exports have been adversely impacted by global conditions, the Russian-Ukrainian war situation, and civil wars in countries like Iran, Libya, and Syria, which are our top buyers.

An agreement was recently signed to supply tea for nearly 500 million dollars worth of crude oil purchases from Iran. Accordingly, arrangements are made to provide tea according to the value of the relevant amount. Arrangements have also been made to re-export Sri Lankan tea to the Iranian market under the concept of ‘Tea for fuel’. Due to this, we will be able to re-export more tea to the Iranian market, which was lost to some extent in the past.

Also, it has been possible to get an income of nearly one billion dollars last year through the export of rubber. Its biggest value was 1.1 billion dollars in 2021. During Covid, rubber-related products received high demand in the world market. Sri Lanka is considered to be the hub among the main tyre-producing countries. It is believed that the export of rubber-related products will be able to reach between 900 million dollars and 1 billion dollars this year as well.

With the world economic deviation, the export of every product has experienced a decrease. Economists predict that normalcy will return after the third quarter. Due to this, it will be possible to reach the export targets of plantation crops again in the future.

In recent times, apart from tea and rubber, coconut-related products have seen the highest growth. Compared to 2020, the market has expanded by approximately 15%-20% in 2021 and 2022. Accordingly, in 2022, it was able to earn an export income of 836 million dollars. It can reach a value close to that this year as well. Within the next five years, there is a high probability of increasing the export income of coconut-related products to 1.5-2.00 billion dollars.

In order to improve the country’s coconut industry, a law will be brought in the near future that states that special permission must be obtained to divide coconut lands of more than one acre. For that, we hope to follow up again on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Additionally, the law requiring the authorization of the Divisional Secretariat and the Grama Niladhari shall be enforced if more than two coconut trees are to be cut down.

In addition, it is believed that nearly 400 million dollars will be earned this year by exporting cinnamon and other spices.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe presented a new proposal to establish an Agriculture and Plantation Research University in Sri Lanka by integrating all research institutes related to the plantation industry and agriculture. There are seven institutions related to the plantation industry in this country. Agricultural institutions are also to be integrated into this. The basic draft related to this has been prepared by now. This is a very complex project. But the basic work is expected to be completed this year.

However, through the available resources in the country, children are able to get better educational opportunities. Also, efforts are being made to focus on upgrading to university standards.

It is anticipated that the plantation industry’s backwardness will be reduced, allowing it to go forward more vigorously in the future. The government is prepared to offer the assistance required to expand the plantation industry’s value chains. It will step in as a Ministry in situations involving technological know-how and financial resources. (NewsWire)

The post Plans to establish an Agriculture & Plantation Research Uni in SL appeared first on Newswire.