Sri Lanka’s university system is grappling with a critical shortage of qualified teachers, with the dearth particularly severe in natural science-related subjects. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Chandana Abayarathna highlighted that around 1,000 university teachers have left the country due to the economic crisis and high taxation policies implemented by the previous government.
The increased taxation on salary earnings significantly impacted university academics, pushing many to seek better opportunities abroad. “For some positions, we cannot find qualified people. Interviews are held, but applicants are scarce because they find better-paying jobs outside the university system,” Minister Abayarathna explained. Medical faculties, in particular, face a shortage of professors, while young lecturers have also left in considerable numbers.
The Minister emphasized that addressing taxation issues and creating a supportive environment could help attract qualified professionals back to the university system. “It’s not just about salary hikes. High taxes and the cost of living deter professionals from joining. We need a holistic approach to resolve this crisis,” he added.
Sri Lanka’s University Grants Commission (UGC), which oversees 18 universities and institutions, including the Open University of Sri Lanka, reports that nearly 50% of approved academic positions remain vacant. The approved cadre stands at around 10,000, but natural sciences are experiencing the most acute shortages.
A senior official from the Higher Education Ministry stated that the government has approved new recruitments to address the gap. However, resolving the crisis will require sustained policy changes to make the university system more attractive for academics, both local and international.
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