UGC to hand over uni. hostels as COVID-19 treatment centres

The University Grants Commission (UGC), after consultation with the respective universities, have decided to release almost all hostels located outside state university premises to be taken as COVID-19 treatment centres.

Two state universities are yet to agree to release the hostels.

The rest of the universities who have agreed to release the hostels as treatment centres will start releasing the hostels from next week, UGC Chairman Sampath Amaratunge said.

He said hostels located within the university premises cannot be released as the staff will not be able to work.

An estimated 3,500 to 4,000 persons can be accommodated in these centres.

The Chairman said the internal halls and university buildings will not be provided.