InRO News

Meeting between the Assistant High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – 23rd September 2025
| 23^rd September 2025

A meeting was held on 23rd September 2025, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., at the International Relations Office (InRO) Conference Room, between Ms. Saranya V.S., Assistant High Commissioner of India (AHCI) to Sri Lanka (Kandy Office), and Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Director, International Relations Office, along with academic staff of the University of Peradeniya. Also present were Ms. Deepika from the AHCI Kandy Office; Prof. Ramani Hettiarachchi, Department of History; Prof. Fazeeha Azmi, Department of Geography; Dr. N. Agilan, Department of Human Resource Management; Mr. U.S.Y. Sahan Mahesh, Department of History; and staff members of the International Relations Office.

The primary focus of the meeting was to review and discuss the existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the University of Peradeniya and various Indian institutes. The Director/InRO presented the current list of MoUs and agreements available on the InRO website, which served as the basis for discussion. Ms. Saranya proposed organizing a virtual meeting with relevant Indian institutions to discuss the progress and renewal of these agreements. It was agreed that actions would be taken to renew selected MoUs as required, while expired agreements would be reviewed for possible reactivation.

During the meeting, Ms. Saranya also introduced a new proposal under the project “Sanskrita”, aimed at digitizing historical manuscripts in South Asian countries. In response, the Director/InRO suggested collaboration with the Department of History, leading to an immediate discussion with Prof. Hettiarachchi and Mr. Mahesh, who were called in for the purpose. The proposal was warmly welcomed by the Department, and Ms. Saranya assured that she would follow up with a formal email to the University and, upon receiving Faculty approval, arrange a virtual meeting to move the initiative forward.

Furthermore, the AHCI highlighted opportunities for new collaborations. Dr. Agilan proposed initiating a staff exchange programme between the Faculty of Management and Indian institutes. The Assistant High Commissioner responded positively, requesting a detailed proposal to be submitted through the Director/InRO. Similarly, Prof. Fazeeha raised the matter of an MoU linked to a Faculty of Arts proposal under the India–Sri Lanka Foundation, and conveyed the Dean/Arts’ interest in exploring opportunities for field schools for Arts students. Ms. Saranya indicated that such a proposal could be considered in the upcoming year. Prof. Fazeeha also highlighted the need for student scholarships in the Department of Geography, to which the AHCI responded by confirming the availability of several scholarships for Sri Lankan students, with details to be shared with the Faculty.

Moreover, the AHCI informed participants of an upcoming virtual conference titled “FINTEC”, focused on financial technology. Staff members of the University of Peradeniya were invited to participate, and the AHCI requested that the University provide a list of interested participants.

The meeting concluded on a constructive note, with both parties affirming their commitment to strengthening academic collaboration through MoU renewals, new initiatives such as the Sanskrita project, staff and student exchanges, and joint academic activities.