The Higher Education Ministry expects to issue licenses to more Sri Lankan institutions to offer degrees.
Addressing a press conference at the University Grants Commission, Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake said they would conduct a proper investigation and introduce guidelines to private higher educational institutions awarding degrees.
"If they fail our test we’ll help them to upgrade their standards, but those who fail to meet the Ministry’s expected standard will have to close their institutions," Dissanayake said.
He said the Ministry would introduce a time frame for issueing diplomas by private institutions.
The new Higher Education Bill would be presented to parliament shortly and after its adoption in the House, the changes would be implemented immediately, Dissanayake said.
He said to expect massive changes in the university sector shortly.
"We will provide new undergraduates with leadership training. It will be held at military camps under the supervision of the Higher Education Ministry," the Minister said. Necessary funds for the leadership training would be borne by the Ministry.
From next year all students have to sit the English paper at the GCE A Level. This is not compulsory at present. The marks obtained from the English paper could be used as a yardstick to ascertain the standard of the English knowledge of students when they enter to universities. Then, the university would accordingly conduct an English course before starting the degree program, he said.
The Island - by Dasun Edirisinghe
