Public Administration Minister Sarath Amunugama said yesterday he had no hesitation in unequivocally supporting the establishment of private universities despite protests over such moves.

Dr. Amunuguma told School Principals from the Galagedera and Senkadagala electorates he sincerely felt that by establishing private universities the children in the Central Province would be provided with more opportunities for higher education.

He said such universities should be established either by the Provincial Council or by the private sector.

“The JVP which opposes the introduction of private universities has been rejected by the masses. Politically it is a spent force. Private universities should be established at provincial level for the benefit of children who aspire for university education. A good knowledge of the English language and of modern technology are an integral part of today’s education. University education should be expanded to encompass provinces so that the youth can qualify themselves to meet the increasing demand for professionally qualified personnel in the Public and Private sector,” Dr. Amunugama said.