The Ministry of Higher Education is set to revamp academic programs offered by state universities, including external degrees, to ensure that students pursue courses aligned with market demand and future employability, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Madura Seneviratne announced.

Speaking at a meeting of the Subcommittee on Higher Education this week, the Deputy Minister said that several external degree programs currently offered by universities were outdated, contributing significantly to the rising number of unemployed graduates. He emphasized the need to modernize and realign these programs with the evolving needs of the job market.

“The standards of local degree programs must match those of international universities and be recognized globally. We cannot continue with courses that have lost relevance in today’s world,” the Deputy Minister stated.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the accreditation of degree programs that fall outside the purview of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Steps will be taken to resolve these accreditation issues and strengthen the credibility of Sri Lanka’s higher education system, he added.

The session was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, vice chancellors of state universities, and faculty members from the Sri Lanka Bhikkhu University and the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University.

Among other key matters discussed were:

• Enhancing facilities for students with disabilities in universities.
• Establishing an accreditation board for higher education.
• Conducting a comprehensive UGC-led study on foreign degree programs.

Deputy Minister Seneviratne also highlighted that a review will be undertaken to assess the number of approved teaching and non-teaching positions in universities, with plans to promptly fill existing vacancies.

A cadre revision will be carried out jointly by the Ministry of Education and the universities to ensure optimal staffing levels.

In addition, the Deputy Minister announced that primary healthcare units will be established within universities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to support student wellbeing.