On the morning of 2nd August 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM, Her Excellency Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, ceremoniously inaugurated the new University Library at Vavuniya. She unveiled the commemorative plaque and toured the newly established facility, marking a significant milestone in the region’s academic development.
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister engaged in a comprehensive discussion with members of the university community, including the Chancellor, former Professor Dr. S. Moahanthas, the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor A. Atputharajah, the Registrar and Bursar, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, academic staff, executives, non-academic staff, and student representatives. Additionally, several key figures from the Vavuniya district participated in the meeting, including university council members, the government agent of Vavuniya District, forest officials, health professionals such as the PDHS, Deputy RDHS, and Director of the District General Hospital, consultants, and other senior officials.
The dialogue covered a wide range of issues concerning the current state of the university and the surrounding region. The Prime Minister listened to requests and concerns raised by staff and students, particularly regarding the increase in human resources, addition of new faculties, and improvement of shared facilities such as cafeterias, study spaces, advisory centres, and recreational areas. She strongly emphasised the government’s commitment to eliminating ragging and any form of campus violence, while also affirming that peaceful student activism and constructive engagement would always be respected.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the need to shift the focus of universities beyond merely producing first-degree graduates, advocating instead for a transformation towards postgraduate research and advanced learning that empowers students to engage with the wider world meaningfully. She also recognised the challenges posed by systemic gaps in school education, noting that universities are increasingly burdened with addressing foundational skill deficits in first-year students. As part of her broader vision, she spoke of evolving the University of Vavuniya into a hub for teacher education, cutting-edge research, and internationally recognised postgraduate programmes.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful and appreciative note as attendees welcomed the Prime Minister’s clear commitment to strengthening the University of Vavuniya not only through infrastructure like the new library but also by fostering academic excellence, inclusivity, and student-centred development. The day’s events reaffirmed the growing role of the University of Vavuniya as a key contributor to the educational and socio-economic progress of the Northern region.
