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Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Proposes Joint Academic and Research Hub During IIT Delhi Visit

Swarnadwip Nath Published Apr 02, 2026, 03:07 PM Updated Sep 16, 2026, 02:37 PM

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya visited IIT Delhi on October 17, 2025, to propose a collaborative academic and research hub between India and Sri Lanka. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties in education, innovation, and technology through joint research, student exchange, and startup engagement.

Sri Lanka PM Champions Indo-Lankan Academic Collaboration at IIT Delhi

In a significant diplomatic and educational outreach, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to explore avenues for bilateral cooperation in higher education and research. The visit marked a strategic effort to deepen academic ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Key Highlights from the Visit:

Proposal for Joint Academic and Research Hub Dr. Amarasuriya proposed the creation of a Sri Lanka Academic and Research Hub in partnership with IIT Delhi. The hub would focus on joint research projects, faculty exchange programs, and cross-border innovation initiatives.

Engagement with IIT Leadership and Startups The Prime Minister interacted with Prof. Arvind Nema, Deputy Director (Operations), and Prof. Anil Verma, Dean of International Programmes. She also met with international students and IIT-incubated startups such as CYRAN AI and Cluix, which presented their technological innovations.

Focus Areas for Collaboration Discussions centered around artificial intelligence, climate technology, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. Both parties expressed interest in launching joint PhD programs, research fellowships, and student mobility schemes.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that India and Sri Lanka share ambitious goals in education and IT. She reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to academic diplomacy as a means to foster regional development and peace.

Strategic Vision and Regional Impact The initiative aligns with India’s Act East policy and Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize its education sector. It also supports the broader vision of establishing a South Asian innovation corridor.

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to formalize the academic partnership, potentially setting the stage for a new era of Indo-Lankan educational synergy.

Sources: ThePrint, IIT Delhi International Office, Indian Express

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