විශ්වවිද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව - ශ්‍රී ලංකාව

Overview

The University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC) is the statutory apex body overseeing the university system in Sri Lanka. Established on December 22, 1978, under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, the UGC functions as the central authority responsible for planning, coordinating, and regulating higher education institutions in the country. Its primary roles include allocating funds to public universities, maintaining academic standards, and ensuring equitable access to higher education.

History and Legal Framework

The UGC was established to address the need for a centralized body to oversee and regulate higher education in Sri Lanka. The Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 provided the legal framework for its formation, granting it the authority to coordinate university education, allocate funds, and regulate admissions and academic standards. This legislation aimed to ensure that the university system aligned with national development goals and provided quality education to all segments of society.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

The mission of the UGC is to develop and maintain a higher education system that is committed to conducting the highest level of learning, research, and innovation relevant to the needs of the country. This mission is pursued through the allocation of necessary resources and the implementation of policies that promote academic excellence and accessibility. The UGC's objectives include:

• Coordinating and overseeing university education in Sri Lanka.
• Allocating funds to higher educational institutions.
• Maintaining academic standards and quality assurance.
• Regulating the administration and admission processes of universities.
• Promoting research and innovation within the university system.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The UGC operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education. Its governance structure includes a Chairman and several members appointed by the President of Sri Lanka. The Commission is responsible for the strategic direction of the university system, while the day-to-day operations are managed by its Secretariat. The UGC's independence is crucial for maintaining the autonomy of universities and ensuring that higher education policies are developed and implemented without undue influence.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

The UGC plays a significant role in maintaining academic standards and quality assurance within the university system. It oversees the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council (QAAC), which is responsible for conducting institutional and program reviews to assess the quality of education provided by universities. These reviews are based on established guidelines and aim to promote continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and research. The QAAC's activities include:

• Conducting institutional reviews to evaluate the overall performance of universities.
• Reviewing academic programs to ensure they meet national and international standards.
• Providing recommendations for enhancing quality and addressing identified weaknesses.
• Facilitating the development of internal quality assurance mechanisms within universities.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The UGC actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the global standing of Sri Lankan universities and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices. It is a member of various international organizations and networks that promote higher education development. These memberships provide opportunities for Sri Lankan universities to participate in global academic initiatives, share research findings, and engage in capacity-building activities. The UGC also nominates university teachers to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences organized by international organizations both domestically and abroad.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The UGC continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in Sri Lanka. Through initiatives like the Higher Education for the Twenty-First Century (HETC) project, the UGC aims to modernize university infrastructure, enhance research capabilities, and improve governance structures. These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the quality and accessibility of higher education, making it more responsive to the needs of students and the demands of the global job market. The UGC's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation positions it as a key driver of educational reform and development in Sri Lanka.

Summary

The University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka is a central body responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education in the country. Established in 1978, the UGC plays a crucial role in maintaining standards, allocating resources, and promoting quality education across public universities. Through its governance, accreditation support, international collaborations, and strategic initiatives, the UGC contributes significantly to the development of a robust and dynamic higher education system that supports the socio-economic advancement of Sri Lanka.

FAQs

• What is the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka?
  The UGC is the statutory apex body responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education in Sri Lanka, ensuring quality and maintaining standards across universities.
• When was the UGC established?
  The UGC was established on December 22, 1978, under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978.
• What are the main functions of the UGC?
  The UGC coordinates and oversees university activities, allocates financial resources to public universities, develops and implements policies to improve education quality, monitors and evaluates university performance, and promotes research and innovation.
• Does the UGC accredit universities?
  While the UGC oversees the quality of higher education, the actual accreditation of programs and institutions is primarily the responsibility of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council (QAAC) under the UGC.
• How does the UGC engage internationally?
  The UGC engages in international collaborations by nominating university teachers for seminars and workshops, and managing programs that promote cooperation in science and technology.
• What initiatives is the UGC currently involved in?
  The UGC is involved in initiatives like the HETC project, which aims to modernize university infrastructure, enhance research capabilities, and improve governance structures to impact higher education positively.

Organization Name

විශ්වවිද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව - ශ්‍රී ලංකාව

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka

Acronym

UGC

Year of Establishment

1978

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

No. 20, Ward Place
Colombo
07 Colombo Sri Lanka

Phone

+94 (11) 269 5301

Fax

+94 (11) 268 8045

List of universities in Sri Lanka recognized by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC):

Central Province

1. University of Peradeniya

Eastern Province

1. Eastern University, Sri Lanka

North Central Province

1. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Northern Province

1. University of Jaffna
2. University of Vavuniya

Sabaragamuwa Province

1. Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Southern Province

1. University of Ruhuna
2. South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

Uva Province

1. Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka

Western Province

1. University of Colombo
2. University of Sri Jayewardenepura
3. University of Kelaniya
4. University of Moratuwa
5. The Open University of Sri Lanka
6. University of the Visual & Performing Arts
7. Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine

North Western Province

1. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Official Social Media Channels

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka's Wikipedia article

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