On 22nd July 2025, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG), Papua New Guinea. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen academic and institutional collaboration between the two entities, particularly in the areas of leadership development, governance, and workforce training.
The key objectives of the visit included exploring opportunities for mutual academic collaboration, identifying areas for joint research and training programs, understanding Sri Lanka’s approach to public sector leadership and administration, and fostering long-term partnerships between the two institutions in support of capacity building and regional development.
The SILAG delegation comprised Mr. Allan Kamale, Executive Director of Corporate Services; Mr. Robert Nemala, Executive Director of Workforce Development and Training; and Prof. M. Thilaksiri. Their visit reflected SILAG’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that contribute to public sector capacity building.
Representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were Prof. Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce; Prof. Aruna S. Gamage from the Department of Human Resources Management; Mr. W.G.T.S. Senanayaka, Head of the Department of Public Administration ,Dr. Chamari Jayasinghe, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Public Administration, Prof. Sandamali Galdolage from the Department of Marketing Management; Dr. Ruwini Dharmawardene, Director of the International Affairs Division, and Ms. Apeksha Janashantha and Ms. Dinithi Aluvihare, Research Assistants from the International Affairs Division.
The visit served as a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on public administration, training methodologies, and academic cooperation. It marked a meaningful step toward establishing lasting ties between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance, contributing to broader regional collaboration in higher education and governance.
