VCs push back on student intake increase
View(s):Vice Chancellors of State-run universities have warned that a further increase of the student intake would not be possible with the current academic staff strength and infrastructure facilities available.
This was said when the National Admission Commission met in Colombo recently to discuss student intake and related issues.
University Grants Commission Chairman Prof Sampath Amaratunga told Education Times admissions have been increased up to about 45,000 students, and it was difficult to increase further without proper resources.
The Vice Chancellors had expressed fears that students would be inconvenienced if the intake is increased as they could be short of lecturers and facilities.
They had also pointed out that the quality of the degrees could not be compromised due to the lack of staff and facilities as it could have a serious impact internationally if the quality is affected.
The Vice Chancellors had, however, agreed they would accommodate the current intake despite difficulties.
They pointed out it would be difficult to increase the intake up to 50,000 the next time.
Prof Amaratunga said the UGC had received Rs 1.5 billion funding from the Asian Development Bank for the expansion of universities. Another Rs 500 million was due from the ADB.
However, he said that the funds would not be sufficient for all programmes.
He added that the impact on the universities was due to a decision by the World Bank to suspend a Rs 3 billion loan. He said funding amounting to Rs 23 billion from multilateral agencies had also been put on hold.
Prof Amaratunga said the UGC would try its best to keep increasing the intake by getting required lecturers and expanding facilities.
-DWI
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