IIT Delhi holds talks with Sri Lankan PM on scholarships and academic collaboration; explores student exchange

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to discuss potential collaboration in research, innovation, and higher education. During the visit, she interacted with IIT Delhi officials, faculty members, international students, and startups.

According to the official press release, FITT-IIT Delhi incubated startup CYRAN AI presented the BUDDHI AI DIY kit, and Cluix showcased its portable water quality analyser. The Prime Minister also observed technologies being developed at IIT Delhi’s Research and Innovation Park.

The institute states that during the meeting, officials from the IIT Delhi noted that the institute already hosts students from Sri Lanka and invited further participation in Master of Technology (MTech) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, as well as Bachelor of Technology (BTech) courses at its Abu Dhabi campus.

The possibility of scholarships funded by the Sri Lankan government for students pursuing higher studies at IIT Delhi was also discussed during the meeting.

“A few dedicated scholarships funded by the Sri Lankan government for their students aspiring to pursue Master's and PhD degrees at IIT Delhi would be a catalyst in furthering the capacity building,” said Arvind Nema, Deputy Director (Operations).

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Proposal for Sri Lanka academic and research hub

The Dean of International Programmes proposed the creation of a "Sri Lanka Academic and Research Hub" at IIT Delhi. The hub is intended to strengthen academic and research cooperation, facilitate capacity building, and connect higher education institutions in India and Sri Lanka. IIT Delhi’s academic and research infrastructure and ongoing projects were also presented during the meeting.

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, said, "IIT Delhi is a prestigious engineering and research institute in our neighbourhood. I believe there is significant potential for academic and research collaboration between our institutes and IIT Delhi. We are already collaborating with IIT Madras, and we look forward to exploring the ways in which our institutions can collaborate with IIT Delhi as well.”