University of Moratuwa secures key approvals for medical faculty expansion

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved using the Kalutara Teaching Hospital and the Children’s Hospital in Mount Lavinia for clinical training as part of the Faculty of Medicine in the University of Moratuwa.

The first batch of medical students enrolled at the University of Moratuwa based on the results of the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) 2019 is scheduled to commence hospital-based clinical training in July 2025.

The move is expected to ensure that medical students receive diverse and comprehensive hospital-based training.

Previously, approval was granted to establish the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Moratuwa by using the existing facilities of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) and the Dr. Neville Fernando Hospital for hospital-based clinical training. However, concerns over the adequacy of these resources, including insufficient patient numbers, limited disease diversity, and a lack of specialist staff—necessitated a shift in strategy.

The proposal also included the allocation of two plots of land in Nagoda West Grama Niladhari Division of the Kalutara Divisional Secretariat, owned by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Road Development Authority, for the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Moratuwa.

The joint proposal submitted by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister, along with Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.