The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) has restarted accepting local fee-paying students for its MBBS degree, just weeks after abruptly halting admissions due to objections raised by government MPs who are also medical professionals.
The decision to resume enrolments was taken last Friday, allowing local students to apply once again for the medical degree programme. This comes after Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara announced in Parliament on May 22 that the MBBS course would be restricted solely to cadets and foreign students, sparking public criticism.
According to KDU’s website now displays full details about the programme, including fees, entry requirements, and the application process. Applications reopened yesterday and will close on July 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, a fundamental rights petition filed by GCE Advanced Level-qualified students, who were prevented from applying due to the suspension, is scheduled to be heard in court on Tuesday.
Traditionally, KDU has enrolled local fee-paying students for its courses, including medicine. On May 21, it had called for applications through its website. However, the very next day, Minister Jayasekara declared in Parliament that only foreign students and cadets would be enrolled, without citing any reason.
When contacted yesterday, neither Defence Ministry officials nor KDU representatives explained why the decision was reversed.
