InRO News

Meeting with Prof. Shilpi Sharma, Associate Dean Academics (Outreach and New Initiatives), IIT Delhi

April 24, 2026

A meeting was held on 21st April 2026 from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. at the Vice Chancellor’s Office, University of Peradeniya, with Prof. Shilpi Sharma, Associate Dean Academics (Outreach and New Initiatives) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Prof. Sharma was accompanied by Prof. Devika M. De Costa, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya; Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Director, International Relations Office (InRO); Prof. B.C. Jayawardana, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Prof. B.G.L.T. Samaranayake, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Prof. T.M.S.S.K. Yatigammana Ekanayake, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Dr. S. Maheswaran, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Management; Mr. K.D.R.C. Rienzie, Lecturer and postgraduate student at PGIA; and Ms. Thushanika Pakkiyarasa, Project Manager, InRO.

The discussion focused on strengthening institutional collaboration between the University of Peradeniya and IIT Delhi, particularly in light of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. Prof. Sharma provided an overview of the academic programmes, research strengths, and international outreach initiatives at IIT Delhi, while representatives of the University of Peradeniya shared insights into their respective faculties, postgraduate opportunities, and research facilities.

Special attention was given to identifying potential areas for collaboration, with particular interest in the fields of Agriculture, Engineering, and Management, while also recognizing opportunities across other disciplines. Both parties expressed strong interest in expanding collaboration through student and staff exchange programmes, joint supervision of postgraduate research, collaborative research projects, and visiting scholar initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to further explore and strengthen academic and research partnerships between the two institutions, thereby enhancing international engagement and contributing to the global academic standing of both universities.

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