The University of Madras has decided to provide free higher education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels to children of Sri Lankan refugees in India, particularly to those residing in Tamil Nadu.

''…free education will be given from the next academic year at the university, especially if they are willing to pursue education through the distance mode. A political solution alone is not enough to resolve the refugee issue… Education is the right tool to uplift them," said University Vice- Chancellor G Thiruvasagam.

The decision was taken at the syndicate meeting held on Friday.