Page 158 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

due to the current system followed by the University Grant Commission to

select students to the universities. The system is preferable for SWDs to
follow courses in a degree programme in a university and transfer it to the

same nature of the degree in another university. It enables them to continue

studies in their accessible universities. However, despite many changes in
the course designs, the system has not been implemented in any state

universities yet.

6.4. Academic-Administrative Structure

Considering the policy decisions and implementations, universities as semi-
governmental institutions are independent to establish centres or sub-

administrative bodies and to form By-Laws and operational procedures.
Universities can establish policies to ensure equality, inclusion, and

diversity. There are several policies related to diversity of other types, but
very few universities have formed a policy for SWDs. Notably these two

universities Eastern University of Sri Lanka and the University of Ruhuna

have recently established SWD policy for their universities because of their
partnership in EU funded IncEdu project. The policy is instrumental to

enforce further academic and welfare administrative facilitation to SWDs in

these universities.

There are administrative units commonly established in all state universities
under the ordinance of University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka to look

after the student welfare requirements. There is a generally approved

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