July 06, Colombo: University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Sampath Amaratunga said that all universities will be able to commence their studies from today (July 06) except for the first year students.

Accordingly, the Vice Chancellors have been assigned to decide on the date of commencement of studies under 11 conditions, the UGC Chairman said during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information today.

Professor Sampath Amaratunga said the first condition is that only students of two years, preferably the 3rd and 4th year students should be permitted to a faculty at a time.

Professor Amaratunga stressed that the circular issued by the Ministry of Health pertaining to health guidelines for higher education institutions is still in effect.

Professor Amaratunga emphasized that a distance of 1m must be maintained at all times and when providing dormitory facilities for resident students, it is compulsory to allocate a single room for a student.

He said that the number of students who should be admitted to the university at a time should be decided by considering the available hostel facilities.

The students should leave the university premises for their private residences immediately after complete their academic activities and examinations and for any reason the students are not allowed to stay in the university premises after 7 pm.

The students will not be allowed to participate in sports, social work or any other gathering, he added.

He said after lectures and practical lessons, students sitting for the exam must be given priority, at faculties allocated for exams. Any academic activity prior to the conduct of exams must be completed within a minimum amount of time, and cannot exceed four weeks.

The UGC Chairman said the final year medical students can also commence their clinical training.

Professor Amaratunga said that the university has not taken a decision on the commencement of academic activities for the first year students yet.