The University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) welcomed a delegation from Southern Illinois University (SIU), USA, on 28 October 2026. The visit commenced with a meeting involving the Acting Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Deans of all faculties, and International Affairs Coordinators of USJ to explore opportunities for strengthening academic and research collaboration and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships between the two universities. Following this meeting, the delegation met with students representing various departments of the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS), providing them with an opportunity to interact directly with international academics and learn about global research and higher education opportunities.
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 University Grants Commission. Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Acting Vice Chancellor of USJ; Professor Sandamali Galdolage, Director of the Centre for International Affairs; Deans of all faculties; and International Affairs Coordinators also participated in the university-level meeting.
The student session was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Professor N. G. S. S. Shantha Gamage, and the Faculty International Affairs Coordinator, Dr. Hiruni Harischandra, together with students representing different departments of the Faculty. The interactive discussion provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and academic exchange, enabling students to gain insights into international research opportunities, postgraduate education, innovation, and academic career pathways.
The visit provided an important opportunity to identify shared academic interests and explore potential avenues for future collaboration, including student and staff engagement and joint research initiatives. It also reflected the Faculty of Applied Sciences’ commitment to broadening students’ international exposure, strengthening global academic connections, and creating opportunities for future international partnerships.
