South Eastern University proposal will be properly studied before action: Deputy Minister Madhura
12-Sep-2026.
The requests made regarding the establishment of a medical faculty at the South Eastern University will be properly studied before appropriate action is taken, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senewiratne said.
He made these remarks while responding to the debate on a Private Member’s Motion moved by Sri Lanka Muslim Congress MP M.L.A.M. Hizbullah regarding the establishment of a medical faculty at the South Eastern University, in Parliament on 11 September.
He further said:
“We are considering national importance and health-sector priorities. We are also considering the health economy. The Health Ministry’s programmes up to 2035 have been prepared, and attention is being paid to those plans as well.
“The establishment of a medical faculty will not be considered merely on a regional basis. National importance will be the primary consideration. Population factors will also be taken into account, including the number of patients per doctor.
“Accordingly, attention is currently being paid to the number of students as well. The scale of training is increasing.
“At the same time, regional statistics are also being considered. The occupancy levels of hospital beds will also be taken into account. When medical students are sent to hospitals for clinical training, attention must be paid to the availability of the relevant treatment units.
“Four new medical faculties have now been established. The staff strength and infrastructure must be increased. This matter requires serious attention.
“There is already a medical faculty at the Eastern University, and this factor will also be taken into consideration. Attention will be paid to expenditure, the operational utilisation of resources and priorities in the health sector.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Higher Education should take steps to appoint a committee, obtain its report and study the matter before taking further action. All these matters must be incorporated into an overall plan.
“This structure is directly connected with the health sector. Therefore, we will study the matter systematically under a proper plan and take appropriate action based on its feasibility,” he said.
