Foreign universities keen to set up branches here:

Boost for higher education system

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Universities from India, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia have shown a keen interest in setting up branches in Sri Lanka, said Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne.

He said representatives from around 20 foreign universities had visited Sri Lanka to look into the possibility of setting up branches in the country.

"Five universities have already taken steps to set up branches in the country.

"They are in search of land and infrastructure facilities for the projects", Dr. Nawaratne said.

He said one investor is willing to spend nearly a billion US dollars to set up an educational park in the North Western Province. Another investor had visited Hambantota and Deniyaya to set up educational parks.

"Certain investors are keen to set up branches and develop educational institutions in the Western Province", the Secretary said.

He said an Act is being formulated in this regard and would help develop a vibrant university education system providing more opportunities for students to pursue higher education and minimise the drain of foreign exchange from the country.