As part of the 55 new student hostel projects initiated by the Ministry of Education with the aim of improving hostel facilities for university students across the country, the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new four storey hostel building to be constructed at Vavuniya University, the first hostel under this programme, was successfully held today – on Saturday (22 August 2026).
The event, held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, was attended by the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, as the special guest.
The event, held at the Vavuniya University (Pampaimadu), was attended by Members of Parliament, Secretaries of Ministries, the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University, academic staff and students, among others.
Addressing the event, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,
“When we invest in education, it is the policy of our government that, in addition to the quality of education, the welfare of students and staff should also be one of the key characteristics of a good university. When our government assumed office, it was clearly evident that students in national universities were facing many problems due to inadequate facilities such as accommodation and cafeterias. It was against this backdrop that we were able to launch a hostel programme for the entire university system in 2026.
Under this programme, we have given priority to new universities outside Colombo, particularly those located far from the city and where students have fewer alternative options. It is for this reason that special attention and priority have been given to the Universities of Vavuniya and Jaffna in the Northern Province.
These 55 hostel projects will improve the quality of life of approximately 16,000 undergraduate students. Of the four new hostel projects for Vavuniya University, two hostels will accommodate 400 students each, while two more hostels will accommodate 200 students each. This will create an environment in which students can pursue their education peacefully without accommodation problems.
A university is not merely about buildings; it must also have a culture that nurtures future leaders of excellence. While emphasizing that there is no tolerance whatsoever for ragging in universities, our government will always support other constructive activities of students” she stated.
It is noteworthy that this four-storey hostel building, with a capacity of 200 students, is being constructed with the full financial assistance of the Government of Sri Lanka at an investment of Rs. 231,101,547.65, with the aim of resolving the long-standing accommodation problems faced by students of Vavuniya University.
It is also noteworthy that the initial construction work of this major project has now commenced as a result of Vavuniya University expediting and completing the tendering and procurement processes for its hostel project.
