Concerns are mounting among students at Sigalagala National Polytechnic over what they describe as rising education costs and persistent system errors that are making it increasingly difficult to pursue their studies.

A student who reached out on condition of anonymity has called on the institution's management and the Ministry of Education to urgently address challenges that are allegedly affecting hundreds of learners at the institution.

According to the student, the cost of studying at Sigalagala National Polytechnic has increased significantly in recent months, placing additional financial pressure on students and their families.

Many learners reportedly feel that the fees and examination registration charges have reached levels comparable to those charged by some public universities, raising questions about the affordability of technical and vocational education.

"Technical education is supposed to provide an affordable pathway for students seeking practical skills and training. However, the costs are becoming overwhelming for many of us," the student said.

Beyond the rising fees, students are also expressing frustration over what they describe as recurring errors within the institution's financial and administrative systems.

According to the complaint, numerous students have discovered abnormal fee balances and discrepancies in their account statements, with some accounts reflecting figures that do not correspond to actual payments made. Despite repeated efforts to seek clarification and corrections, affected students claim that the issues remain unresolved.

The situation has reportedly caused anxiety and uncertainty among learners, many of whom rely on accurate financial records to plan their studies and meet institutional requirements.

Students say the consequences are becoming increasingly serious. Some have allegedly been forced to defer their studies due to financial constraints, while others are contemplating dropping out altogether because they cannot meet the growing costs or resolve the anomalies appearing on their accounts.

The concerns have sparked fears that more students could be locked out of education if the challenges are not addressed promptly.

Education stakeholders have consistently emphasized the importance of making technical and vocational training accessible to young people, particularly at a time when the government is promoting skills development as a key driver of employment and economic growth.

However, students at Sigalagala National Polytechnic argue that the combination of increased fees and administrative challenges threatens to undermine those efforts by making education less accessible to deserving learners.

The students are now appealing to the management of Sigalagala National Polytechnic, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and implement lasting solutions.

They are calling for a review of the fee structures, greater transparency regarding examination registration charges, and urgent action to rectify system errors that continue to affect students' financial records.

For many learners, the hope is that swift intervention will prevent more students from being forced out of school and ensure that technical education remains affordable, accessible, and reliable for all.

As concerns continue to grow, students say they are waiting for answers and meaningful action to address the challenges that are increasingly affecting their academic journey and future prospects.