The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education stated that under the instructions of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Committee on Public Accounts (COPA), steps have been taken to appoint committees to look into various irregularities that have occurred at State universities.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Secretary to the Ministry, Nalaka Kaluwewa said: “Reports prepared by the Auditor General's Department on State universities were discussed during recent COPE and COPA sessions. When there has been any irregularity, they (COPE or COPA) instruct us to appoint a committee to investigate and submit a report. We are doing that.”

He also said that issues related to university payments and administration are also being addressed with the University Grants Commission (UGC) issuing the relevant circulars to universities. “There have been issues about how the relevant payments are made using the income earned by universities. The UGC has issued circulars on these matters. We also give general instructions on matters like the institutional structure, action plans, and the shortage of officers."

In recent months, several university administrations have come under scrutiny during proceedings at the COPE and COPA for questionable spending, weak financial management, and certain decisions made without following the proper procedures. Some of the issues that came up include missing audit reports, large sums allocated to stalled projects, construction activities launched without feasibility studies, and leaving expensive equipment unused at university premises.