Strides made in higher education during turbulent year

54 new degree programmes were approved in 2022, the recent Central Bank report revealed.

During the period, the University Test of English Language (UTEL) – a national-level test – was introduced, offering a national-level certificate upon the completion of this examination.

In addition, a project was initiated to establish separate Departments of ICT in the faculties of Humanities, Arts, and Performing Arts in the universities, with the aim of enhancing job skills in those streams, the report continued.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the education system in the country, steps were taken by the Government to make sure this essential service is being carried out without any disturbances via the use of technology (online learning system).

The report noted that when the economic situation in the country worsened, it was tough for universities to continue with their curriculum. An online platform ‘Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN)’ was established minimising the interruptions on the higher education sector in the country. Furthermore, various initiatives were taken by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to strengthen State universities by approving two new Faculties of Computing at the Universities of Jayewardenepura and Sabaragamuwa and a Faculty of Graduate Studies in the Eastern University.

Private sector universities – also known as nonstate higher education institutes (NSHEIs) – had 24 universities recognised by the Non-State Higher Education Division of the MoE, which offered 221 degree programmes.