SLIIT among world’s Top 20 Architecture Schools – ranked No. 1 in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) has marked a proud and historic moment by being ranked among the Top 20 Architecture Schools in the world and securing the No. 1 position in Sri Lanka in the latest INSPIRELI World Architecture University Ranking. This global recognition is based on student performance in the INSPIRELI Awards, the world’s largest architecture and design competition for students and young architects. In the 2023–2024 cycle, SLIIT climbed to the 17th position globally out of more than 1,360 participating universities, demonstrating a significant leap from its 22nd position the previous year. It also proudly ranks among the Top 2 Architecture Schools in Asia, reinforcing its status as a regional leader in architectural education.

The INSPIRELI Awards, established in 2015, have grown into a globally respected platform that highlights the creativity, talent, and vision of student architects from over 150 countries. Unlike many other competitions, INSPIRELI charges no entry fees, ensuring open access to students regardless of financial background. The competition is not merely a celebration of design, it is deeply rooted in educational values and humanitarian purpose, with past challenges including real-world projects such as the Port of Beirut renewal and the Czech Embassy in Ethiopia. As a result, rankings derived from student performance in this competition are considered a genuine reflection of academic and creative excellence.

SLIIT’s continued rise in this global landscape is a testament to the strength of its architectural programs, the commitment of its academic faculty, and the creative ambition of its students. The recognition also highlights the university’s dedication to producing innovative, industry-ready graduates who are equipped not only with technical skills but also with a broader understanding of design as a force for societal good. The school’s nurturing and dynamic studio culture fosters individual expression while maintaining rigorous academic standards, creating an ideal environment for students to thrive and gain international exposure.

This achievement is more than a numerical ranking. It signifies a growing reputation for SLIIT as a hub of architectural innovation in South Asia, offering globally aligned education within Sri Lanka. For prospective students, it presents a compelling reason to choose SLIIT’s School of Architecture as the foundation for a world-class design career. For the broader design community, it reaffirms that Sri Lankan institutions can compete and lead on the global stage. The university continues to offer internationally recognised degree programs in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University in the UK, ensuring that students benefit from both local insight and global academic standards.

The Department of Architecture Head Prof. Lalith De Silva shared a few thoughts, “This is such a proud moment for all of us at SLIIT. It reflects the strength of our quality education structure and the world-class facilities we offer at the School of Architecture. We are fully capable of providing the right environment for our students to grow, explore, and express themselves. It inspires prospective students to see the possibilities of beginning their architectural journey at SLIIT University and reassures our current students that their creativity is being recognised on the “world of work” showcasing their design excellence. For Sri Lanka, it’s a reminder that our universities can lead with vision and excellence.”

With this milestone, SLIIT continues to shape a future where design is not only about buildings but about impact, relevance, and global contribution. Its students are not merely participating in global discourse they are helping define it. The university remains committed to supporting young architects in their pursuit of excellence and will continue to build on this success in the years ahead.

SLIIT offers over Rs. 1 b in student financial support

For over 25 years, SLIIT has remained committed to empowering Sri Lankan youth by providing transformative educational opportunities. As the nation’s largest non-state degree-awarding institute, SLIIT has disbursed over Rs. 1 bllion in student support through a combination of merit-based scholarships, bursaries, and tuition subsidies, ensuring talented students have access to higher education regardless of financial background.

In the 2023 and 2024 academic years alone, SLIIT awarded Rs. 152 million through Semester Performance and Broad-Based Performance Scholarships, recognising academic excellence and extra-curricular achievements. These scholarships are a core component of SLIIT’s long-term vision to promote a culture of excellence, equity, and national contribution across all fields of study.

In addition, SLIIT provided approximately Rs. 930 million in financial assistance through internal schemes and partnership-based programs. This support, extended in collaboration with the Interest Free Student Loan Scheme of the Ministry of Education, reflects substantial tuition subsidies to students to pursue degrees in highly employable disciplines and plays a vital role in enabling access and supporting student retention, particularly for those facing financial constraints.

“At SLIIT, we are deeply committed to nurturing talent and unlocking the potential within each student. Our scholarship programme stands as a powerful testament to this commitment, empowering deserving students by providing them with access to world-class education. By expanding these opportunities this year, we aim to inspire young minds to join SLIIT and equip them with the tools and confidence needed to explore their full potential and take bold, decisive steps toward a successful future,” noted SLIIT Chairman Prof. Lakshman Ratnayake.

Over the years, SLIIT has broadened its scholarship framework to promote inclusivity across academic, extracurricular and leadership domains. High-achieving students who rank at the top of the national G.C.E. A/L Mathematics and Commerce streams are awarded full tuition scholarships along with a monthly stipend under the Nena Diriya scheme. Those who obtain 3As in either local or international A/L examinations are also eligible for full or partial tuition waivers through performance-based academic scholarships.

Support extends beyond academics as well. Students who have represented their province or the nation in sports or extracurricular activities are recognised with dedicated scholarships. High-performing undergraduates also receive merit-based support throughout their academic journey.

SLIIT collaborates with many leading industry partners to offer scholarships and internship opportunities. These unique collaborations allow students to gain valuable real-world experience while excelling in the classroom, providing them with a competitive edge in their future careers and exciting opportunities to apply their learning in practical settings.

Students facing financial hardship can access a range of tailored concessions, including government-backed assistance through the Ministry of Education’s Interest-Free Loan Scheme, as well as support from the Lalith Athulathmudali Foundation, the Virusara Privilege initiative, and private donor sponsorships.

During times of national crisis, such as the Easter attacks or the COVID-19 pandemic, SLIIT stepped in with special need-based relief to ensure that no student’s education was left behind.

SLIIT’s scholarship recipients are more than just beneficiaries; they are nurtured through comprehensive mentoring, guided career support, and exposure to leadership development. These experiences shape them into impactful graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic and social fabric.

As SLIIT Vice Chancellor and CEO Prof. Lalith Gamage shared, “SLIIT isn’t just about offering degree programs, we are about recognising potential and giving it the space to grow. Our scholarship programs are designed for students who are ready to challenge themselves, rise above limitations, and make something meaningful of their talent. It’s about backing ambition, rewarding drive, and opening doors that might otherwise stay closed. We want students to know that if they have the determination, SLIIT will meet them with opportunity.”

Marking over two decades of transformative impact, the SLIIT scholarship program continues to embody the institute’s mission to uplift, empower, and inspire. From IT, Business, Engineering, and Law to Psychology, Nursing, Architecture, and Biotechnology, scholarship-supported students today are becoming tomorrow’s leaders. By prioritising accessibility over elitism, SLIIT looks to the future with a scholarship legacy that stands not only as a financial commitment, but as a national investment in potential, resilience, and hope. The impact of these scholarships extends beyond the individual recipients, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and the overall socio-economic development of Sri Lanka.