Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD)

About the CVCD

The Committee of Vice Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) was established in 1979 under Section 124 of the Universities Act No 16 of 1978 as an advisory board to the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the leadership of Prof. Stanley Wijesundera, Vice Chancellor of University Colombo. The primary role of the CVCD is to serve as an Inter-University organization who acts as a moderator for the university and an advisor to the UGC, shedding light on the difficulties faced by the state Universities in the country.

Currently the CVCD consists of 25 members: 17 Vice-Chancellors from state Universities under the UGC; five Vice-Chancellors of other state Universities under the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Defense; two Rectors of Campuses affiliated to state universities, and one Rector belongs to the Southern Campus of the KDU. The members of the CVCD meet once a month at the various member universities to discuss the latest updates within the universities, their issues and their best practices.

From its inception, the CVCD has striven to create a platform for all state universities, so that together, they are in the best position to face the challenges common to the state higher education sector of Sri Lanka. In its long journey spanning several decades, the CVCD has achieved many milestones that have benefited the state universities and the Higher Education system of Sri Lanka, including the establishment of systems for quality assurance in higher education, and strengthening the research culture within universities. Towards this end, the CVCD conducts a biennial competition to recognize and reward excellence in research and innovation, as well as a biennial conference in alternating years.

Composition Breakdown

State Universities under UGC17
Other State Universities (Ministry/Defense)5
Affiliated Campus Rectors2
Southern Campus Rector (KDU)1

Snr. Prof. W.M. Terrence Madhujith

Chairman / CVCD - 2026

Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya

Message from the Chairman

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warm greetings to all members of the university community and all those associated with the higher education sector of Sri Lanka. The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) occupies a unique and important position within the higher education system of Sri Lanka. Established in 1979 under Section 124 of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, the CVCD provides a vital platform for the Vice-Chancellors and Directors of the state universities and other higher educational institutions to deliberate on matters of common interest, exchange experiences, and make recommendations to the University Grants Commission and other relevant authorities.

For more than four decades, the CVCD has played a significant role in contributing to the development and strengthening of higher education in Sri Lanka. Its monthly meetings provide an invaluable forum for addressing common challenges, discussing emerging issues, and sharing experiences and best practices. One of the most valuable features of the CVCD is the opportunity it provides university leaders to learn from one another and to adapt successful practices to their own institutions.

The higher education sector today is operating in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex environment. Universities are expected not only to provide quality education but also to contribute significantly to research and innovation, economic development, social progress, employability, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and national transformation. At the same time, universities face numerous challenges, including shortages of academic and non-academic staff, recruitment and retention of talent, financial and infrastructure constraints, student accommodation and welfare, technological transformation, and the need to respond effectively to natural disasters and other emerging challenges.

Over the years, the CVCD has contributed to policy development, quality enhancement, strategic management, expansion of higher education, university administration and institutional development. It has also maintained dialogue with the government, the University Grants Commission, ministries, professional bodies and other institutions on matters of importance to the university system.

The CVCD also recognizes that the strength of our universities ultimately rests on the dedication, creativity and achievements of their academic and non-academic staff. Its initiatives to recognize excellence in research, innovation and invention are therefore particularly important. Above all, the CVCD should remain a platform where university leaders can listen to each other, learn from each other, and work together for the greater good of higher education and the nation.

I wish the CVCD continued success in its important mission and look forward to working with all colleagues towards a brighter future for our universities and, ultimately, for our nation.

Official Membership