Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has urged a comprehensive reassessment of how academic success is defined within Sri Lanka’s university system, calling for a more balanced approach that values research, teaching, and social impact equally.
Speaking from her dual perspective as both a policymaker and academic, Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged the rapid growth of research symposiums, conferences, and publications across Sri Lankan universities, which has improved global visibility and rankings. However, she cautioned that university rankings should not be the sole measure of excellence.
The Prime Minister stressed that while research is central to higher education, it should also serve to enhance student learning and foster critical thinking, not merely to satisfy institutional metrics. She warned against the growing divide between the elitist “ivory tower” academic model and the commercially driven corporate approach, emphasizing the need for a balanced and ethical academic culture.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education, Dr. Amarasuriya outlined key priorities, including:
- Expanding support for interdisciplinary and collaborative research
- Promoting open access to scholarly work
- Encouraging international academic partnerships to enhance global engagement and innovation.
