June 05 (Citizen.lk News) -In a significant step towards strengthening international educational ties, the Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Ministry of Sri Lanka has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Higher Education Cooperation with the National University of Singapore (NUS), one of Asia’s most prestigious higher education institutions.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Sri Lanka by Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa at the Ministry premises, while the agreement was earlier signed in Singapore by the Vice Chancellor of NUS, Professor Thean Voon Yew, on 5 May 2025. The Singapore-signed document was formally transmitted via the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore for finalisation.
Preliminary discussions on this landmark collaboration commenced in February this year, culminating in a finalised agreement by April.
Cabinet approval was subsequently granted on April 28, paving the way for this historic partnership.
The agreement outlines a broad framework for academic cooperation and mutual advancement in the field of higher education. Among the key provisions are the awarding of doctoral scholarships for Sri Lankan students, opportunities for faculty visits and undergraduate fellowship programmes at NUS, as well as collaborative research initiatives in mutually agreed academic disciplines. The MoU also encompasses joint academic and scientific activities aimed at fostering innovation and scholarly exchange.
Further discussions between the two parties are scheduled in the coming months to work out the operational aspects of the agreement, ensuring its effective implementation.
The Education Ministry expressed its commitment to expanding international educational collaborations, aligning with the government’s broader vision of nurturing a well-educated, skilled and globally competitive human resource base.
“This partnership with the National University of Singapore marks a pivotal advancement in our efforts to provide Sri Lankan students and academics with access to world-class educational opportunities and cutting-edge research collaborations,” an official statement from the Ministry said.
The move is part of a series of initiatives aimed at building a knowledge-based society and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for higher education excellence.
