President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed increasing the monthly academic allowance paid to university academic staff by Rs. 25,000, with the increase to be implemented in two phases starting July 2027.

Presenting the 2027 Budget in Parliament today (12), the President said the proposal recognised the contribution of university academics to improving higher education, promoting research and developing the country's human resources.

Accordingly, 50% of the proposed allowance increase will be paid from July 2027, while the remaining 50% will be implemented from July 2028.

External Lecturer Payments Tripled

The Government has also proposed a threefold increase in payments to external lecturers recruited by universities to provide specialised academic knowledge.

Under the revised rates, the hourly payment for external lecturers will increase from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 4,500.

Meanwhile, the hourly allowance paid to external advisers conducting practical examinations will rise from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,800.

Higher Payments for Vocational and Technical Lecturers

Payments to external lecturers engaged by vocational and technical training institutions will also increase by 100%, based on the existing rates.

The President said the measures were aimed at attracting qualified professionals and specialists to universities and vocational training institutions, strengthening teaching quality and expanding access to specialised knowledge and skills development.