The State Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Suren Raghavan, visited the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, on 27 May 2024 to discuss a new initiative aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka's Higher Education sector.
During the meeting, the Minister introduced to the High Commissioner, the Government’s plans to initiate the Sri Lankan International Academic Network (SLIAN), a pioneering effort to bring together Sri Lankan-origin academics from around the world to teach in Sri Lankan universities on a fellowship basis. Dr. Raghavan highlighted the importance of leveraging the global Sri Lankan academic diaspora to enhance the educational landscape of the country.
Dr. Raghavan noted that the initiative is set to commence in Canada, where there are already 300 academics in the network ready to contribute their knowledge and experience to Sri Lankan Higher Education institutions. This first step will serve as a model for other countries to follow.
High Commissioner Bogollagama expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, "We in the UK are well-positioned to contribute to this cause. Our close relationships with several esteemed universities here provide an excellent starting point for expanding the network. We look forward to facilitating connections between these institutions and Sri Lankan universities."
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both the Ministry of Education and the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK to enhance educational opportunities and foster international collaboration. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the quality of higher education in Sri Lanka, creating a vibrant academic environment that benefits both students and faculty.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
03 June 2024
