Dec 01, Colombo: Sri Lanka government sources say that it is mulling to start a private university in the country.

The university is to be set up under the direct supervision of the state education authorities.

The government has focused attention to save the national wealth that flows outside since around 10,000 students per year seek higher education in foreign countries. Sources say the government intends to attract foreign students as well to the university.

Attempts to set up private universities in the country were fiercely resisted by Marxist People's Liberation Front (JVP) led student unions in the past.

Admission to Sri Lankan universities is extremely competitive, and not more than 14 percent of those who qualify could gain admission to a university forcing the wealthy to send their children to overseas universities.