PM calls for Cabinet proposal to uplift nursing education

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa asked the Health Ministry to formulate a Cabinet proposal to establish a National Nursing University.

The Premier made this request at the meeting on this matter held at the Prime Minister’s office in the Parliament. He said as proposed by him some time back, it was useful to upgrade nursing education exposed to international standards by offering degrees acceptable for international standards.

At the moment there are 17 nursing schools, and the proposal will aim to uplift the standard of nursing education in the country. The Health Ministry officials briefed the Premier on the ways and means of offering nursing degrees acceptable to international standards in Sri Lanka.

The United Nursing Union Chairman Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda himi said the union has agitated for this demand since 1991.

Education Minister Ramesh Pathirana, Health Minister Channa Jayasumane, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Sampath Amaratunge, Asian Development Bank Advisor M. Thilakasiri, Public Service United Nurses Association Vice President R. K. Batuwita were among those present at the meeting.