The Government is taking steps to provide hostel accommodation for 16,000 university students through a new construction programme, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament on 9 September.
The Prime Minister also said work has begun on a comprehensive national policy covering university student accommodation.
Rs.1.5 billion for new hostels
According to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education allocated Rs.1.5 billion in 2026 for construction of new university hostels.
Separate funding has been allocated for renovating existing hostel facilities.
The University Grants Commission allocated Rs.376 million in 2025 for hostel renovations and Rs.453 million in 2026 for hostel renovations.
The Education Ministry separately allocated Rs.400 million in 2026 for hostel renovations.
Target is 16,000 students
The new hostel-construction programme is intended to provide accommodation facilities for approximately 16,000 university students.
This figure is a programme target. It should not be reported as meaning that 16,000 new hostel beds have already been constructed or are currently available.
Broader accommodation policy
The Prime Minister said the Government is also developing a comprehensive policy for university student accommodation.
This indicates that the programme is intended to form part of a broader approach to accommodation needs within the state university system.