COLOMBO — An administrative directive concerning Sri Lanka’s registered Arabic colleges raises questions about financial transparency, institutional supervision and whether tighter regulation could eventually influence public funding.
A directive reportedly issued to registered Arabic colleges across Sri Lanka on November 3, 2026, has brought renewed attention to the financial administration and government oversight of institutions providing Islamic religious education.
The circular, attributed to M. S. M. Nawaz, Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, reportedly seeks information concerning institutional management, financial records, staff, students and administrative procedures.
Although the requirements appear consistent with efforts to improve accountability, the scope of the requested documentation raises two questions.
Will the information allow authorities to exercise more effective oversight of privately administered religious institutions? And could the creation of standardised financial records eventually facilitate government financial assistance?
The second possibility deserves examination, but the documentation described does not, by itself, establish that the Government intends to introduce a new state-funding programme.
What Are Sri Lanka’s Arabic Colleges?
Arabic colleges, commonly referred to as madrasas, are religious educational institutions that provide instruction in Islamic subjects, including the Quran, Hadith, Arabic language and Islamic jurisprudence.
Many institutions prepare students for religious roles, including the title of Moulavi, while others provide opportunities for Quran memorisation and related religious studies.
Some operate residential programmes, with students entering at a relatively young age and continuing their studies over several years.
Their educational structure differs from that of government schools following Sri Lanka’s national curriculum.
While Muslim students attending government schools study the prescribed general curriculum alongside relevant religious subjects, Arabic colleges generally concentrate on specialised Islamic education.
However, the distinction should not be interpreted as meaning that all Arabic colleges operate entirely beyond government oversight.
The Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs already has responsibilities involving the registration and administration of these institutions.
The latest directive should therefore be examined as a possible extension or standardisation of existing supervision rather than the beginning of state involvement.
Financial Transparency Becomes a Central Requirement
The circular and annexures described in the supplied documentation reportedly seek a range of financial records from registered Arabic colleges.
These include:
- Official receipts and payment vouchers.
- Petty cash records.
- Bank statements.
- Monthly and annual financial reports.
- Annual budgets.
- Records concerning the management and administration of funds.
- Information about institutional assets and relevant ownership
