J’pura Uni to build academic and research partnerships with Australian universities

A high-profile academic delegation from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP) visited Canberra on 16-19 December, to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborative academic and research partnerships with leading Australian universities based in Canberra.

The visiting delegation consisted of Faculty of Medical Sciences Dean Snr. Prof. Surangi Yasawardena, Faculty of Graduate Studies Dean Snr. Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce Dean Dr. Anura Kumara and Pharmacology Professor Pradeepa Jayewardene.

The discussions were centred around identifying the best way forward to build a future collaborative partnership between universities through academic and student exchange programs for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies, exchange of scholarships and short-term courses in multi-disciplinary areas (mainly medicine, management , commerce, business administration, science and technology, heath and sports and nursing), exchange of short-term academic exposure through partner university programs and joint research work through a well-structured mechanism that benefits both universities.  

Possible areas for joint research included in the discussion were Water Quality Research, Dengue Research, Cancer Research, Kidney Research, Non-Communicable Diseases, Ecology, Management Studies and Commerce, Pharmacology, Biotechnology and Neuroscience, Primary Care, Governance and Public Policy.

The USJP delegation also had an opportunity to visit the University of Canberra’s sports complex, sports medicine centres, occupational therapy facility, physical therapy facility, the Canberra Special Medical Centre, community medical facility and other health hubs, as well as the UC hospital, student accommodation, science labs and UC’s educational facilities.

The visiting delegation also held a meeting on 18 December with high-profile academics of the Australian National University (ANU). 

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra facilitated the above visit and meetings as part of its efforts to help Sri Lankan universities establish links with leading universities in Canberra.