A much-awaited bill to enable private universities, in particular foreign providers, to set up in Sri Lanka is expected to be presented to the cabinet in February. "The Ministry of Higher Education has finalised all aspects of the bill which will soon be submitted for cabinet approval," Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education, Dr Sunil Nawarathne (pictured), told University World News in an exclusive interview. The government had anticipated presenting the wide-ranging bill to parliament in January, but it has been delayed by the 2011 budget debate. Providing a preview of the Higher Education Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Quality Framework Bill, as it is officially titled, Nawarathne said: "First and foremost the bill will allow non-state [private] universities to be set up within the country." This new provision will be crucial for providers from the country's private sector as well as foreign universities interested in venturing into Sri Lanka.