Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a strategic move to enhance international educational collaboration, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Higher Education Cooperation with the National University of Singapore (NUS), a globally recognized academic institution renowned for its research and innovation excellence. The MoU represents a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen its higher education sector by aligning with leading global universities. The official signing on behalf of Sri Lanka was conducted by Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, at the Ministry premises.
Also read: Inside the Billionaire Boom Turning Singapore into the World’s Giving Capital
The corresponding document was signed in Singapore by Professor Thean Voon Yew, Vice Chancellor of NUS. The Singapore-end of the agreement was transmitted to Sri Lanka via the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore for final endorsement. The ceremonial handing-over of the signed agreement took place in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions. Key attendees included Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the NUS Graduate School, Professor Jessica Pan; Deputy Dean Professor Wong Lim Soon; Director of the Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL), Professor Suranga Nanayakkara; and Vice Dean for Outreach and Admissions, Dr. Carolyn Lee.
Also read: RCB’s Historic Win Turns Deadly — Stampede Kills 11 Fans Outside Stadium!
Representing Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake received the document, joined by Minister and Head of Chancery Ahamed Razee and Minister Priyanga Nanayakkara. High Commissioner Dissanayake highlighted the importance of this partnership in his remarks, expressing gratitude to the leadership of NUS for their forward-thinking engagement. He emphasized that the MoU will significantly support Sri Lanka’s education reform efforts, and he reaffirmed the High Commission’s continued dedication to strengthening bilateral academic ties between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Also read: Founding Father Erased? Bangladesh’s New Banknotes Spark Political Uproar
The agreement is the result of several months of productive dialogue. Initial discussions began in February 2025, and Cabinet approval was granted on 28 April, paving the way for the formalisation of the partnership. The MoU provides a robust framework for long-term academic cooperation and includes provisions for doctoral scholarships for Sri Lankan students, faculty exchange programmes, and joint undergraduate fellowships. Moreover, the agreement outlines plans for collaborative research in mutually agreed fields, fostering innovation and cross-border scholarly exchange.
A joint management committee comprising representatives from both parties will be established to oversee and coordinate the implementation of activities outlined in the MoU. This committee will play a central role in operationalising the initiatives and ensuring sustained engagement between the two institutions. Speaking during the ceremony, Professor Thean emphasized that the partnership offers Sri Lankan students a gateway to a comprehensive range of academic opportunities at NUS. He expressed his institution’s enthusiasm in contributing to Sri Lanka’s ambitions to build a highly skilled, knowledge-driven workforce. “This MoU sets the stage for transformative academic cooperation, focused capacity-building, and collaborative research,” he noted.
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Education issued an official statement emphasizing the critical nature of the agreement: “This partnership with the National University of Singapore marks a pivotal advancement in our efforts to provide Sri Lankan students and academics with access to world-class educational opportunities and cutting-edge research collaborations.” The two institutions are planning further consultations to refine the operational aspects of the agreement. These discussions will be crucial in ensuring the smooth execution of programs and initiatives under the MoU.
This MoU is part of a broader national vision aimed at creating a globally competitive education system and developing Sri Lanka into a regional hub for higher education excellence. By aligning with top-tier global institutions like NUS, Sri Lanka is taking decisive steps toward building a knowledge-based society equipped to meet the challenges of the future. The Sri Lanka and National University of Singapore MoU on higher education cooperation signifies more than just an institutional agreement; it is a bold step toward elevating the country’s academic landscape and global standing in education.
