Sri Lanka and Singapore Formalize Cross-Border Collaboration in Higher Education
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the higher education sector.
The MoU was signed by Professor Aaron Thien, Provost of NUS, at a brief ceremony held at the NUS campus on 5 May 2025. The signed document was formally handed over to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Senarath Dissanayake, for onward transmission to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka for endorsement.
During the ceremony, Professor Thien noted that the MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for academic cooperation, capacity-building, and research collaboration between NUS and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education. He emphasized that NUS, considered as a regional University, is pleased to offer Sri Lankan students access to a broad spectrum of academic opportunities, including enrolment in master’s and doctoral programmes, supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen human capital.
High Commissioner Dissanayake, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the NUS leadership for their commitment in facilitating this timely partnership. He stated that the MoU will play a vital role in advancing Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda. Underscoring education as a key pillar of the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Singapore, he reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to further strengthening institutional ties between the two countries.
Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara who initiated and coordinated the MoU with Sri Lanka outlined the modalities and the way forward for implementing the collaboration.
Under the terms of the MoU, a management committee comprising representatives from both parties are to be established to manage and oversee the collaborative activities contemplated under this MoU.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the NUS Graduate School, Professor Jessica Pan, Deputy Dean of the NUS Graduate School Professor Wong Lim Soon, Director of the Centre for Holistic Inquiry into Lifelong Learning (CHILL), Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara and Vice Dean for Outreach and Admissions Associate Professor Carolyn Lee. Minister and Head of Chancery, Ahamed Razee and Minister, Priyanga Nanayakkara, also joined the event, representing the High Commission.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Singapore
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