Following discussions with Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya yesterday (18), the group of university students occupying the disputed Malwana residence agreed to vacate the property.
The Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) said that Dr Amarasuriya has agreed to transfer the land and house located in Malwana, currently under the authority of the Dompe Divisional Secretariat, to the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Speaking to the media following discussions held with the Premier at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, IUSF Convenor Sasindu Perera stated that a decision had been reached to hand over the property to the UGC as soon as possible.
He further noted that, in light of the agreement reached during the discussions, the group occupying the premises had decided to vacate the property immediately. ‘‘Dr Amarasuriya has assured us that the Malwana property will be transferred to the UGC as soon as possible. The Government has responded positively to our request. In view of that response, we have decided to leave the Malwana premises at this moment,’’ he said.
The Malwana property, which has recently been the subject of public discussion, will be transferred to the UGC, Dr Amarasuriya has announced. She made this statement during a meeting held yesterday with representatives of the IUSF.
According to her, a feasibility study will be conducted on the property, after which it will be allocated for suitable purposes in the higher education sector. Emphasising the decision-making process, she noted that all major decisions are taken only after discussions with the relevant stakeholders and through a comprehensive review.
Dr Amarasuriya further highlighted that, after several years, budgetary allocations have been made for the development of university student accommodation facilities. She added that Budget implementation in the higher education sector had increased from 60 per cent in previous years to 80% last year (in 2025), which she attributed to improved responsiveness to student welfare needs and active Government engagement.
The Malwana property will be handed over to the UGC, followed by a feasibility assessment, before being assigned to an appropriate higher education institution, she added.