The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has launched 55 new hostel projects across state universities islandwide with the aim of improving residential facilities for approximately 16,000 students.
According to the Ministry, the programme will be implemented in three phases and includes the construction of new hostel facilities at 13 universities and other higher education institutions.
The largest allocations under the programme have been made to the University of Sabaragamuwa and Rajarata University, with each institution receiving seven hostel projects expected to provide accommodation for around 2,200 students.
Other major allocations include:
- South Eastern University – 6 hostel projects accommodating approximately 2,000 students
- Eastern University – facilities for around 1,600 students
- Uva Wellassa University – accommodation for approximately 1,800 students
Several other higher education institutions are also set to benefit from the programme, including:
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- University of Vavuniya
- Wayamba University
- University of Jaffna
- University of Moratuwa
- University of Ruhuna
- Gampaha Wickramarachchi University
- Trincomalee Campus
The Ministry stated that most projects are currently in the tendering, evaluation, or procurement stages, while preliminary construction activities have already begun at selected locations, including the University of Ruhuna.
Authorities say the initiative is expected to ease accommodation shortages and improve access to higher education facilities for students across the country.
