Rs. 1.5 Billion Allocated to Build 55 New University Hostels in 2026

The government has allocated Rs. 1.5 billion in the 2026 Budget to construct 55 new hostels in state universities, while a further Rs. 853 million has been set aside to repair and modernise existing hostel facilities, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today (08).

The Prime Minister said the funding is part of a government programme aimed at addressing the shortage of accommodation facilities for students in the state university system.

According to her, 150,815 students are currently enrolled across the state university system, but hostel facilities are available to only 63,318 students, representing approximately 42% of the total student population.

She noted that, in addition to the 17 universities operating under the University Grants Commission (UGC), five other state universities function under separate institutions.

Providing details of hostel facilities at these institutions, the Prime Minister said the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka has provided residential facilities to 442 of its 551 students, including 80% of local students and all foreign students.

At the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, however, only 196 of the 1,516 students, or 12.92%, have access to hostel facilities.

At General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, hostel accommodation is available to 406 of the 8,218 students, representing 4.94%.

Meanwhile, at the University of Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC), only 332 of the 4,348 students, or 7.6%, have access to hostel facilities. The Prime Minister noted that these facilities are currently available only to female students, with no hostel accommodation provided for male students.

Dr. Amarasuriya said that, as there had previously been no formal policy governing university student hostels, the UGC is currently formulating a new policy based on the principles of transparency, safety, fairness and inclusivity.

The government is also working on regulatory guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of facilities provided to students living in private hostels.

Outlining further development plans, the Prime Minister said a Cabinet memorandum has been submitted seeking approval to relocate the Ocean University to a new campus capable of accommodating 1,600 students.

She added that plans are also underway to construct a multi-storey complex on an 80-perch plot of land for the University of Vocational Technology. The proposed complex will include accommodation for 600 male students, modern lecture halls and a 300-seat canteen.

Cabinet approval has been sought to implement the UNIVOTEC project using local funds during the 2027–2029 period.