Fifty-five new hostel projects will be implemented for 16,000 students in state universities across the island, the Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education said. According to the Ministry, the projects are aimed at improving residential facilities for university students and will be carried out in three phases.The initiative is expected to address accommodation shortages faced by undergraduates and enhance living conditions within state university premises.

The current progress of the hostel projects planned for each university is as follows:

Eastern University

Total projects: 05 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 03 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 1,600 students.

Current progress: Bids for the construction of one hostel were opened on April 30, 2026, and evaluations are currently underway to select the most suitable contractor.

University of Jaffna

Total projects: 02 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 01 Model A hostel (400 students) and 01 Model B hostel (200 students).

Total student capacity: 600 students.

Current progress: Tenders for the construction of one hostel were opened on April 2, 2026, and the university is currently evaluating the proposals.

Sabaragamuwa University

Total projects: 07 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 04 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 03 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 2,200 students.

Current progress: Tenders for the construction of one hostel were opened on May 20, 2026.

South Eastern University

Total projects: 06 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 04 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 2,000 students.

Current progress: Tenders for the construction of one hostel were officially opened on May 21, 2026, and further action is underway.

University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Total projects: 04 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 02 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 1,200 students.

Current progress: Preparation of tender and legal documents for the construction of one hostel is currently underway.

Rajarata University

Total projects: 07 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 04 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 03 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 2,200 students.

Current progress: The call for quotations to select contractors for one hostel project was opened on May 21, 2026.

Uva Wellassa University

Total projects: 06 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 03 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 03 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 1,800 students.

Current progress: A pre-bid meeting with construction companies has been held for one hostel project, and quotations were called on May 22, 2026.

University of Vavuniya

Total projects: 04 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 02 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 1,200 students.

Current progress: A Technical Evaluation Report for one hostel project is currently being prepared.

University of Moratuwa

Total projects: 02 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 400 students.

Current progress: Bids for one hostel project were opened on May 17, 2026.

Wayamba University

Total projects: 04 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 02 Model A hostels (400 students each) and 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 1,200 students.

Current progress: Preparation of tender documents for one hostel project is underway.

University of Ruhuna

Total projects: 04 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 04 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 800 students.

Current progress: Preliminary work has commenced at the construction site for one hostel, and 75% of the land preparation work has been completed.

Trincomalee Campus

Total projects: 02 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 400 students.

Current progress: Quotations for the construction of one hostel on a design-and-build basis were invited between April 9 and May 27, 2026.

Wickramarachchi University, Gampaha

Total projects: 02 new hostel projects.

Hostel types: 02 Model B hostels (200 students each).

Total student capacity: 400 students.

Current progress: Site selection for the construction of one hostel is underway, while the design and construction methodology has already been approved.