On 14th May 2025, the International Affairs Division had the privilege of organizing a significant educational delegation visit from Irkutsk National Research Technical University (INRTU), Russia, in collaboration with the Russian House in Colombo. This engagement represents an important step in fostering international academic relationships and exploring potential collaborative opportunities between our institutions. Established in 1930, INRTU stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in Russia’s educational landscape. As one of the designated national research universities in Russia, it serves as a center for science, culture, and education in the Irkutsk region.
The university has gained international recognition through its presence in prestigious global rankings, that reflect INRTU’s commitment to academic quality, research output, and global engagement in higher education.
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: 1501+
- THE Engineering Rankings: 1251+
- THE Impact Rankings: 401-600
- QS World University Rankings: 301-350
The visiting delegation comprised key leadership figures from INRTU’s international affairs division:
- Stepan Bykov – Vice-Rector for International Affairs, who oversees the university’s global partnerships and international strategy
- Anna Melenteva – Head of the International Affairs Department, responsible for implementing the university’s international programs
- Klimently Batoroev – Advisor to Vice-Rector, providing strategic guidance on international collaborations
- Elizaveta Ivanova – Specialist of the International Affairs Department, managing operational aspects of international programs
During the delegation’s visit, several promising areas for potential collaboration were explored:
- Student and Faculty Exchange Programs: Creating opportunities for academic mobility between our institutions
- Joint Research Initiatives: Identifying areas of mutual research interest and expertise for collaborative projects
- Curriculum Development: Sharing best practices in educational methodologies and program design
- Cultural Exchange Activities: Promoting cross-cultural understanding through shared cultural and educational experiences
- Technology Transfer: Exploring possibilities for sharing innovations and technological expertise
This visit marks the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful relationship between our institutions. The delegation expressed keen interest in formalizing collaborative frameworks through potential memoranda of understanding and specific project agreements. The engagement with INRTU opens doors to Russia’s extensive higher education network and creates pathways for academic and research partnerships in the Eurasian region. Similarly, it provides INRTU with connections to our regional educational ecosystem. Hosting the delegation from Irkutsk National Research Technical University has been a significant step toward internationalizing our educational perspective and expanding our global academic network. The discussions held during this visit have laid a strong foundation for future collaborative initiatives that will benefit both institutions and contribute to the broader goals of international educational cooperation. As global education continues to evolve, such cross-border academic relationships become increasingly valuable in preparing students and researchers for participation in our interconnected world. I look forward to building upon the connections established during this meaningful exchange of ideas and exploring the numerous possibilities that lie ahead. Prof. Vilani Sachitra, Department of Commerce, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, joined this event alongside Dr. Ruwini Dharmawardene, the Director of the International Affairs Division of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.