Universities (Amendment) Bill Passed in Parliament with Amendments, Without a Vote

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• January 23, 2026
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Parliamentary approval granted for the motion nominating three non-MP members to the Constitutional Council

The Universities (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today (23) with amendments, without a vote.

This Bill seeks to amend the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. The relevant Gazette notification was published on 21^st November, and the Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 3^rd December 2025, by the Hon. Prime Minister, who also serves as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

Furthermore, as the term of office of the three non-Members of Parliament to the Constitutional Council ended on 19^th January, Parliamentary approval was obtained today, in accordance with Articles 41A (4) and (5) of the Constitution, for the motion nominating three non-MP members to the Constitutional Council.

Accordingly, Parliamentary approval was granted for the following nominees:

1. Austin Fernando
2. Professor Wasantha Seneviratne
3. Ranjith Ariyaratne

Accordingly, the Hon. Speaker will submit the names of the approved nominees to the President for appointment.