InRO News

Federation University Australia – DFAT New Colombo Plan (NCP) Study Abroad Program, Sri Lanka 2026: First Week Highlights

January 2026

Federation University Australia students participating in the DFAT New Colombo Plan (NCP) Study Abroad Program arrived in Sri Lanka on 6 January 2026 to engage in a multi-week, field-based academic programme in tropical biodiversity. The programme offers students valuable academic, cultural, and experiential learning opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The programme is led by Dr. Kushan Tennakoon of Federation University Australia, in collaboration with Prof. Gehan Jayasuriya and Prof. Thilanka Gunaratne of the Department of Botany, University of Peradeniya. In addition to academic training, the programme emphasizes transnational education opportunities and pathways for future research collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Key highlights of the visit include:

Strengthening International Partnerships
The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of Science, academic staff, and students at the University of Peradeniya. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, exploring opportunities for transnational education, and identifying pathways for future collaborative research initiatives.

Fieldwork in Forest Restoration
Students from Federation University actively participated in forest restoration activities in Sri Lanka’s mid-country region. These activities included monitoring the progress of previously planted native and indigenous tree species and contributing to ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding future ecosystems.

Horton Plains National Park (World Heritage Site)
The group visited Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka’s central highlands to study montane forest ecosystems and examine conservation challenges related to biodiversity, climate change, and human impacts. This visit provided valuable insight into environmental management within a globally significant landscape.

Asian Language and Cultural Immersion
As part of the programme, students commenced learning Sinhala, supporting the development of Asia literacy and strengthening regional engagement skills beyond English language proficiency.

Supporting University of Peradeniya Recovery Efforts
The Federation University delegation also contributed to recovery initiatives at the University of Peradeniya by donating laptops to assist with the restoration of IT facilities affected by recent cyclone-related flooding.

In the coming weeks, up to 7 February 2026, the programme aims to establish a strong foundation for meaningful academic exchange, experiential learning, and continued collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka.