Government plans hostel accommodation for 16,000 university students

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya says a university hostel construction programme will provide accommodation for approximately 16,000 students over three years.

She made the announcement at an event recognising university students with disabilities at the Eastern University.

The Presidential Fund organised the “Sarasavi Diriyo Abhiman” programme at the university’s Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies.

The Prime Minister said the Government had introduced a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 this year for university students with disabilities from low-income families.

She said support had also been allocated Rs. 100,000 for schoolchildren with disabilities from low-income households.

“We know that free education involves more than providing books. It is also our responsibility to create the conditions you need to learn,” she said.

“Accommodation is one of the main problems university students face. That is why we began a hostel construction programme this year.

“We hope to provide accommodation for approximately 16,000 students through this programme within three years.”