Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, recently stated that only about 15 percent of students who pass the Advanced Level examination proceed to higher education, and providing educational opportunities for the remainder is a major challenge facing the country.
He noted that while opportunities for higher education exist within the private sector, they must be affordable for the general public.
He further stated that the majority of the country's population cannot afford costs exceeding Rs. 25,000 per month.
The Deputy Minister remarked that the private sector's contribution to higher education for local students is essential, and the government is taking steps to expand access to financial facilities for higher education so that more students can avail themselves of these opportunities.
He also pointed out that there is a gap between the knowledge imparted by the traditional education system and the skills required by the industry. He also noted that human skills—such as leadership, complex problem-solving, collaboration, negotiation, and rapid adaptation to change—will become increasingly important in the future.
He further stated that he is urging higher education institutions to provide opportunities to at least a few students who lack financial means, alongside those who pay for their education.