Australia (Commonwealth)_ The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and Deakin University, Australia, have further solidified their longstanding two-decade partnership by introducing Sri Lanka’s inaugural Australian Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This groundbreaking initiative enables students to pursue Deakin University’s first-ever offshore Australian AI degree in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the country’s higher education landscape.
Recently, the official launch event showcased the innovative program and its potential to transform higher education in Sri Lanka. The three-year comprehensive curriculum combines the academic excellence of Deakin University with SLIIT’s local expertise, supplemented by visiting faculty from Deakin. This approach ensures students receive an authentic global educational experience while studying in their home country.
Speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens, remarked, “The Australia-Sri Lanka education partnership continues to flourish, with over 30 bilateral collaborations between institutions and more than 18,000 Sri Lankans currently pursuing studies in Australia. Deakin University and SLIIT have been trailblazers in delivering quality Australian education in Sri Lanka over the past two decades. With the launch of Deakin’s first undergraduate degree completion program in AI, both institutions are elevating their partnership to unprecedented levels.”
Professor Bas Baskaran, Pro Vice Chancellor for International Research Partnerships and Associate Dean for International and Partnerships at Deakin University’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Built Environment, highlighted the program’s significance, stating, “Unlock the future with Deakin University’s Bachelor of AI program—the first Australian AI degree in Sri Lanka. Join the nation’s emerging leaders in artificial intelligence and help shape the future today.” The launch ceremony featured a distinguished panel, including His Excellency Paul Stephens, Professor Bas Baskaran, and senior representatives from SLIIT, such as Chancellor and Chairman Professor Lakshman Ratnayake and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost Professor Nimal Rajapakse. Their collective insights emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration for Sri Lankan students and the broader technology sector.
The Bachelor of AI program offers students a robust understanding of advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and robotics. It aligns closely with Deakin University’s curriculum in Australia, ensuring that it upholds global academic standards. Furthermore, the program includes industry-focused projects that provide students with practical, hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills required for a dynamic and evolving technology landscape.
Professor Roopak Sinha, Associate Head of School for International and Transnational Education and Professor of Software Engineering at Deakin University’s School of Information Technology, stated, “Launching the Bachelor of AI program through this significant partnership between SLIIT and Deakin University will foster technological advancement and nurture world-class AI professionals in South Asia.” Students enrolled in the program benefit from regular in-person interactions with Deakin University professors and have the option to transfer to Deakin’s Australian campus at any point during their studies. High-performing students are also eligible for merit-based scholarships, covering up to 25% of tuition fees, which aim to make world-class education more accessible to Sri Lankan learners.
Professor Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor and CEO of SLIIT, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Building on a successful partnership with Deakin University, we are proud to introduce Sri Lanka’s first Australian AI degree at SLIIT. Deakin’s global reputation, coupled with SLIIT’s leadership in higher education, ensures that this program provides students with high-quality learning experiences and critical skills in artificial intelligence. This partnership not only enhances educational opportunities but also supports Sri Lanka’s growth in technology and innovation. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our students and the nation.”
This collaboration between SLIIT and Deakin University reflects their commitment to fostering academic excellence and developing a future-ready workforce. By offering a globally recognized degree in Artificial Intelligence, the partnership promises to elevate Sri Lanka’s standing in the global technology sector while empowering students to excel in one of the most strategically important fields of the 21st century.
