PIM ties up with Northumbria University to reciprocally strengthen international academic links

The two signatories to the MoU with UGC Chairman Snr. Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, BMS President Dr. W.A. Wijewardene, SJU VC Prof. Pathmalal Manage and PIM Snr. Prof. Ajantha S. Dharmasiri, posing for a photograph at the end of the historic occasion

The distinguished personalities who witnessed this historic moment comprised Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Actg. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Lisa Whanstall, UGC Chairman Snr. Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Vice Chancellor Prof. Pathmalal Manage, University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Snr. Prof. H.D. Karunaratne, BMS President Dr. W.A. Wijewardene, IBSL Director General Bindu Karunathilake, and faculty and senior officials of PIM

The PIM recently established another purposely driven landmark agreement by entering into an MoU with the Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK.

The PIM’s wise selection has been determined by the Northumbria University’s standing as a seat of higher learning internationally, by having similar partnering arrangements with several universities around the world to provide learning for students outside the UK. 

The purpose of the PIM’s International MoU is to indicate the Institute’s intent to collaborate with a high ranking institution abroad, and to provide a framework for a range of activities, the following among which stand as more specific: The development of educational and research partnerships with a specific focus on postgraduate taught and research study; Exchange of scholarly ideas/expertise; The support of specific discipline interaction; The development of joint programs and Progression of appropriately qualified students to research degrees at the Northumbria University from the Postgraduate Institute of Management.

Impactful and significant events demand holding colourful and impressive occasions. Although of a different scale, for all intents and purposes, it’s an MoU between two countries. 

Therefore, the momentous occasion of signing the MoU between PIM Director Dr. Senaka Kelum Gamage and  Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK Vice Chancellor / Chief Executive, Prof. Andy Long on 26 July 2023, was to be etched in the annals of the two institutions as a most impactful and progressive measure. Actg. British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Lisa Whanstall and BMS President Dr. W.A. Wijewardene addressed the august assembly, highlighting the historicity of the relationship Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom had especially in the field of education, and the invaluable impact the MoU would have on higher education of the two countries.