07/08/2026
" Prevailing Challenges Faced by Allied Health Science Graduates and Opportunities for Future Development "
We refer to our earlier letter No. CMLSSL/Gen/2022(06) dated 27th April 2022 (copy enclosed), which highlighted several concerns relating to Allied Health Science (AHS) degree programmes and their graduates.
The College of Medical Laboratory Science Sri Lanka (CMLSSL) acknowledges the University Grants Commission (UGC) as the principal authority overseeing the university system in Sri Lanka. The UGC is entrusted with upholding the quality, integrity, and long-term sustainability of higher education through the governance of State Universities and Higher Education Institutions. Beyond its academic mandate, we believe the UGC also bears a responsibility to ensure that graduates from the national university system receive the professional recognition, career opportunities, and safeguards that align with the standards of their qualifications.
Over the last two decades, Allied Health Science degree programmes have produced thousands of graduates who are now serving within Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. Despite this contribution, these programmes and their graduates continue to face a range of professional, regulatory, and administrative challenges. While some improvements have been made, many core issues remain unresolved. In some cases, these challenges have grown more urgent.
CMLSSL is of the view that decisive leadership and improved coordination by the UGC, together with the Standing Committee on Health Sciences, universities, relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and professional associations, are vital to resolving these issues and to ensuring the continued advancement of Allied Health Science education in Sri Lanka.
In this context, we respectfully bring the following matters to the attention of the Commission:
*1. Ensuring Adherence to Minimum Academic Standards*
Variations in the application of minimum academic standards across universities and higher education institutions continue to cause difficulties in student admissions, clinical training, professional recognition, and recruitment. A nationally coordinated framework is needed to ensure the consistent implementation of approved standards.
*2. Aligning Graduate Output with National Health Workforce Needs*
The lack of alignment with workforce planning and service demand has led to imbalances in graduate output, limited employment prospects, and a gradual erosion of the professional value of certain AHS qualifications. Closer collaboration among the UGC, relevant Ministries, universities, and healthcare stakeholders is essential to support sustainable workforce planning.
*3. Enhancing International Recognition and Professional Mobility*
There is a need to strengthen international academic partnerships, accreditation processes, and pathways for recognition to enable Sri Lankan AHS graduates to secure professional registration and employment opportunities abroad.
*4. Safeguarding the Integrity and Reputation of AHS Qualifications*
Inconsistent interpretation and application of academic and professional standards by both local and international institutions have, in some instances, affected the credibility and recognition of AHS qualifications and the future prospects of graduates. We believe the UGC should take a more proactive role in issuing clear national guidelines on recognized qualifications and professional benchmarks.
*5. Improving National Coordination for Policy Implementation*
The implementation of key national initiatives, including a common merit system for AHS graduates and other agreed reforms, has been delayed due to poor coordination among universities, ministries, faculties, and departments. Establishing a national implementation mechanism under the leadership of the UGC would help address these gaps.
*6. Strengthening Regulatory Oversight and Professional Standards*
We are concerned that inadequate coordination between academic institutions and professional regulatory authorities has allowed the continued recognition of qualifications and programmes that do not meet current national policy or internationally accepted standards. This poses a risk to professional standards, public trust, and the long-term development of Allied Health professions.
The College of Medical Laboratory Science Sri Lanka remains committed to working in partnership with the University Grants Commission and all relevant stakeholders to develop practical and sustainable solutions. We are confident that timely action by the Commission will help strengthen the quality, recognition, and future development of Allied Health Science education and the healthcare workforce in Sri Lanka.
Given the significance of these matters, we respectfully request an official response to the points raised above and an opportunity to meet with the Commission to discuss potential solutions in the best interests of the profession, healthcare workers, students, universities, and the public.
College of Medical Laboratory Science Sri Lanka
