An additional 371 students will be accommodated in State University Medical Faculties this year, Education Minister Prof.G.L Peiris said.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Sabaragamuwa University, Prof. Peiris said they plan to enroll 41,000 students to State Universities this year.

The Minister was at a foundation laying ceremony for the clinical and administrative building of the Sabaragamuwa University Medical Faculty. “There is a shortage of medical practitioners in this country. Last year only 70 students were enrolled to the Medical Faculty of the Sabaragamua University. This number will be increased to 100,” he said adding that the government has taken necessary measures to increase the intake to the Faculty of Medical and Allied Sciences of the Rajarata University.

The decision to increase the enrollment into local universities reflects the National Policy Framework in ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in which it spells out aims to increase  opportunities for youth to pursue their higher education. The Minister speaking at the event added that once the medical faculty begins to admit more students, by default the capacity for other faculties and non-academic staff as well support staff will also be increased. “This will in-turn boost the economy of this region and its people.” Sabaragamuwa Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister W.D.J.Seneviratne, University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga and Vice Chancellor Prof. Athupala were also present on the occasion.