The minister said though some groups accused the government of not allocating sufficient funds to develop the university system, the authorities had failed to use the allocated amount.

“They have been unable to use up even 50 per cent of their allocations. We will take action in this regard,” he said.

When asked for further details, Ministry Secretary Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said the ministry would do a monthly review on the progress made at each university with regard to the use of annual allocations. “Not all the universities are to be blamed. Moratuwa, South-Eastern and Rajarata have spent nearly 70 per cent of their allocations.

Some universities have spent 60 per cent. Jaffna University is the worst. There are instances of Treasury being unable to disburse funds. However, we will do monthly reviews,” he said.

Dr. Navaratne said most of these allocations were for the construction of buildings for the respective universities.

“If the Treasury makes the allocation, we want each university to have an action plan on utilizing it. There should be a mechanism to call for tenders and find contractors for construction work,” he said.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka