Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a landmark development for Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, Australia’s Curtin University has officially inaugurated its new global campus in Colombo. Accordingly, the launch ceremony took place on Monday at the newly established Curtin University Colombo, a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital. Prominent dignitaries, educators, and students attended the event, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka in the field of education.
Also read: UNICEF’s ambitious project to transform the lives of 2 million out-of-school kids in Nigeria
The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens, officiated the opening of the campus, emphasizing its importance in enhancing the educational landscape of Sri Lanka. “The launch of Curtin University Colombo is a testament to Australia’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka’s education sector,” he remarked during his address. He also highlighted the increasing number of Australian institutions operating in Sri Lanka, with more than 30 such institutions already present. Additionally, over 18,000 Sri Lankan students are currently studying in Australia, and this figure is expected to rise in the coming years.
Curtin University Colombo marks the fifth global campus for Curtin University, joining the network of its established campuses in Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE, and Mauritius. As a world-class institution, Curtin University has earned recognition for its strong international connections, innovative research, and commitment to providing high-quality education. The opening of this new campus further strengthens Curtin’s position as one of the most globally connected universities, solidifying its presence in the Indian Ocean Rim region.
Also read: Best Scholarships for Engineering Students in Commonwealth Countries
The partnership between Curtin University and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) has been a cornerstone of the launch. The collaboration, which began in 2001, has produced over 3,000 graduates, contributing significantly to the development of Sri Lanka’s educational infrastructure. Professor Harlene Hayne, Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University, expressed her enthusiasm about the new campus and its potential to expand educational offerings. She stated, “Curtin University Colombo transforms our long-standing partnership with SLIIT into a fully-fledged campus. This exciting development will allow us to offer courses in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, health, and humanities, while continuing our excellence in engineering, computing, and business education”.
Curtin University Colombo, currently enrolling 700 students, is well-positioned for future expansion. With the opening of applications for Semester 1, 2025, the campus anticipates an increase in student numbers. The new facility will offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with the unique advantage of seamless transition opportunities across Curtin’s global campuses in Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, the UAE, and Mauritius. Professor Lalith Gamage, Chairman of Curtin University Colombo and Vice-Chancellor of SLIIT, underscored the significance of the campus for Sri Lanka’s higher education sector. He noted, “This campus is a testament to Curtin’s global reputation and will play a crucial role in building a competitive workforce for Sri Lanka while promoting international best practices in education and research.”
Ranked among the top universities worldwide, Curtin University has established itself as a leader in research and industry partnerships, with over 50,000 students and connections to more than 80 institutions globally. The establishment of Curtin University Colombo represents the university’s continued commitment to fostering global knowledge exchange, innovation, and academic excellence. Furthermore, with the launch of its newest campus in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Curtin University continues to build on its strong international presence and commitment to educational excellence. For more information about Curtin University Colombo and its programs, visit the official website at [curtincolombo.lk](http://curtincolombo.lk).
