The University of Sri Jayewardenepura welcomed a delegation from Southern Illinois University (SIU), USA, on 28 October 2026. The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for strengthening international academic/ research collaboration and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships between the two universities.
The SIU delegation comprised Prof. Constantinos Tsatsoulis, (Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School); Prof. Kristina M. Boone, (Dean of the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences); Prof. Poopalasingam Sivakumar, (Graduate Program Director of the School of Physics and Applied Physics;) and Prof. Lahiru N. Jayakody of Fermentation Science and Microbiology. The delegation was accompanied by Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the UGC. Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda (Acting Vice Chancellor or USJ), Professor. Sandamali Galdolage (Director, Centre for International Affairs), Deans of the all faculties of USJ and International Affairs Coordinators of all faculties participated in the meeting.
The discussions focused on potential areas of academic and research collaboration, opportunities for student and staff engagement, and the development of future partnerships between the institutions. The participation of faculty representatives provided an opportunity to identify shared academic interests and explore collaborative initiatives across different disciplines.
The meeting concluded with a shared interest in pursuing potential avenues for cooperation, reflecting USJ’s continued commitment to expanding its international partnerships and promoting global engagement in higher education and research.
