Academics of Sri Lankan origin living in Canada virtually met to launch the Canada Chapter of the Federation of Sri Lankan International Academic Network (F-SLIAN) named ‘Canadian Network of Sri Lankan Academics (CaNSLA)’ under the patronage of State Minister for Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan, and Sri Lanka High Commission officials in Ottawa, on 1 November 2023.
The State Minister initiated the F-SLIAN to improve Sri Lankan Higher Education sector with the assistance of Sri Lankan Academics living overseas. The Ministry of Higher Education of Sri Lanka will be the coordinating body for all overseas Chapters (North America, Europe and East Asia). Three officials from each chapter will be on the International Board of the F-SLIAN.
CaNSLA will initially focus on fostering academic collaboration and exchanges between Canadian and Sri Lankan universities, support Sri Lankan academics and students, enhance research opportunities and build international academic networks.
At the launch, an Interim Committee headed by Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International), University of Calgary Prof. Janaka Ruwanpura was constituted to develop a plan of action within three months. In January 2024, CaNSLA will elect a formal committee to implement the proposed plan of action.
The Interim Committee will reach out and welcome all Sri Lankan origin academics living in Canada to join the CaNSLA.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Ottawa
07 November 2023
