Discussion Focuses on Improving Hostel Facilities and Addressing Student Accommodation Needs
A discussion was held on 30 June 2026 to examine the University’s current hostel requirements and explore measures to improve the accommodation facilities available to its students. The discussion followed the recent decision of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to construct new hostels at selected state universities. As the University of Colombo was not included in the initiative, attention focused on the accommodation challenges faced by its students and the need for additional hostel facilities.
The meeting was attended by Hon. Dr Madhura Senevirathna, the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education; Senior Professor K L Wasantha Kumara, Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission; Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo; and Ms A K E Chamila, Director of Planning of the Strategic Planning and Policy Research Division of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. Ms Sanjeevani Perera, Registrar of the University of Colombo; Ms Asamya Kahandawa, Acting Accountant of the University Grants Commission; Ms Shalika Ariyarathne, Deputy Registrar, Academic and Publications; Ms Gayani de Silva, Senior Assistant Registrar, Staff and Student Welfare; An engineer representing the UGC; and the president and members of the Students’ Union also participated in the discussion.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed the current hostel capacity, the growing demand for student accommodation, possible locations for new hostel developments, infrastructure requirements, and the administrative and financial arrangements necessary to take the proposals forward.
Representatives of the Students’ Union also presented the accommodation difficulties experienced by students, particularly those travelling from distant parts of the country and students facing financial constraints. The discussion concluded successfully, with all parties recognising the urgent need to strengthen hostel facilities at the University. It was agreed that the relevant institutions would continue to work together to examine feasible options and advance the necessary proposals for providing improved and sustainable residential facilities for University students.
