Universities given permission to reopen

UGC Chairman 

Prof. Sampath Amaratunge

• Vice Chancellors tasked with deciding when to reopen, 2nd and 3rd year students to be given priority 

The Government yesterday gave permission for universities to reopen with the Vice Chancellors tasked with notifying students of when each faculty will start the new administration year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) said yesterday.

Since mid-June the final exams were held and were now largely completed UGC Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge told reporters at a press conference held at the Government Information Department. 

However, even though universities can reopen it was recommended that only second and third year students be allowed to return to their studies.  “Hostel facilities can only be provided based on the number of rooms in each hostel. Each student should be allocated one room and social distancing has to be maintained in all common spaces including lecture halls, canteens, libraries and labs. Once lectures and course work is completed students must immediately prepare to sit for exams. In addition medical students can prepare to start their internships,” Prof. Amaratunge said.  All students who attend lectures have to leave after their lectures and cannot remain within university premises for any reason, the UGC Chairman added. All universities will close their premises from students from 7 p.m. and gathering for sports or other social events is strictly prohibited until further notice.  The Vice Chancellors are also tasked with deciding how many administrative and non-administrative staff will be needed to run the universities, and circulars released by the Health Ministry outlining COVID-19 mitigation measures will also be strictly followed, Prof. Amaratunge assured.