Collaborative academic research partnerships with Australia USJP sends high profile delegation to Canberra

A high profile academic delegation from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP) visited Canberra between December 16 and 19, and explored opportunities for collaborative academic and research partnership with leading Canberra based Australian Universities that would bring mutual benefits to students and academics of both countries, a statement from the Foreign Relations Ministry said.  

The visiting delegation consisted of Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Senior Prof. Surangi Yasawardena, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Snr. Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce Dr. Anura Kumara and Professor of Pharmacology Prof. Pradeepa Jayewardene.  

The discussions centred to identify the best way forward strategy to build up future collaborative partnership between the two Universities through academic and student exchange programmes for both undergraduate and post graduate studies, exchange of scholarships and short term courses in multi-disciplinary areas of study mainly medicine, management, commerce, business administration, science and technology, health, sports and nursing, exchange of short term academic exposure through partner University programmes and joint research work that benefit both institutions through a well-structured mechanism. The possible areas for joint research areas that were discussed for cooperation included Water Quality Research, Dengue Research, Cancer Research, Kidney Research, Non-Communicable Diseases, Ecology, Management Studies and Commerce, Pharmacology, Biotechnology and Neuro Science, Primary Care, Governance and Public Policy.The exchange of split / joint degree programmes and elective student programmes between two Universities in interested disciplines were also discussed.  

The USJP delegation also had an opportunity to visit many therapeutic facilities in Canberra and got first-hand experience and overview on the UC educational facilities.  
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra facilitated the above visit and discussions as part of its efforts in reaching out to leading Canberra based Universities to link up with Sri Lankan Universities.  

Exchange of short term academic exposure through partner University programmes and joint research work that benefit both institutions through a well-structured mechanism