With the aim of converting Sri lanka as a knowledge hub for Asia, six local universities will be upgraded to bring them among the top 1,000 universities in the world.
Over US$6 million will be allocated to improving teaching, research and infrastructure to international levels within the next few years and under the project Colombo, Peradeniya, Moratuwa, Kelaniya, Ruhuna and Sri Jayewardenepura will be upgraded.
Sunil Jayantha Navaratne, Secretary of the Higher Education Ministry said US$1 million would be allocated to each university to improve infrastructure and courses.
"Sri Lankan universities are conducting less research compared to foreign universities. Hence interacting with foreign universities and their academics will help these universities to reach international standard," he said.