Vice-chancellors have been given permission to reopen universities, with examinations and practical sessions given priority from today onwards (26) in compliance with health guidelines, says the Chairman of University Grants Commission. Addressing a media briefing this morning, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge said the universities will resume in-person lectures under several phases. The vice chancellors are authorized to decide on the groups of students that be called in for in-person academic activities under the first phase, however, Medical and Applied Health Science faculties are exempted from this, Prof. Amaratunge added. Further, he noted that only the students who have received the second dose two weeks before the reopening of universities will be allowed to enter university premises.