On 03rd March, 2025, Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, United Kingdom, visited the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to foster academic and research collaborations. The discussions between the two Vice-Chancellors held at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, focused on advancing joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange, and transnational education support. Senior Professor M.M. Pathmalal, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura welcomed the delegates gracefully to the university. Dr. Mathi Kadiah, Dean, School of Science at the BMS Campus initiated this collaboration with our university.
Key objectives of the visit included:
- Enhancing Research Collaborations – Encouraging joint research activities, publications, and the exchange of scholarly ideas between both universities.
- Facilitating Research Scholar Visits – Exploring research exchange programs, particularly in the field of Molecular and Biological Sciences.
- Supporting Transnational Education – Providing academic research support for students enrolled in Teesside University’s Master’s Degree program at BMS Campus, Sri Lanka, with a future Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BMS Campus and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- Establishing a Three-Year Agreement/ Memorandum of Understanding – To formalize collaboration for an initial period of three years, both universities will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with periodic reviews and an option for renewal or discontinuation by either party with a 12-month notice.
In the evening of the same day, the signing ceremony of the Expression of Interest (EOI) was held at the British High Commission Office, Colombo, marking a significant step towards a long-term academic partnership. Senior Prof. M.M. Pathmalal, Vice-Chancellor of our university and Dr. Ruwini Dharmawardene, the Director of International Affairs Division joined this signing ceremony representing the university.
This collaboration lays the foundation for cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence in Molecular and Biological Sciences, strengthening global ties between Teesside University and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
