The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) hosted the institution visit of delegates of the South Asia Deep Dialogues and a panel discussion, on December 11, 2024. The Deep Dialogues of the British Council is an event series that brings together tertiary education from across the word to enable focused and meaningful discussions on key themes.
This gathering of nearly 100 distinguished delegates, including representatives from the higher education sector such as UGC chairpersons and university representatives from the United Kingdom and South Asia, highlighted the transformative potential of transnational education (TNE) partnerships in reshaping the region’s educational landscape.
Prof. Nuwan Kodagoda, Pro-Vice Chancellor of SLIIT Faculty of Computing, addressed the audience, providing an overview of SLIIT and discussing the different TNE models, as well as the institute’s approach to maintaining the quality of these partnerships.
The key focus of the event was widening access to quality tertiary education through transnational education. The conversations explored creating accessible global learning pathways, emphasizing the importance of developing partnerships that enable students to pursue international degrees without leaving their home countries. The interactive discussions inspired innovative approaches to TNE, setting the stage for future initiatives that benefit students and institutions alike.
The panel discussion on “TNE Partnership Management” at SLITT brought together eminent academics and industry experts, including Dr. Theresa Cronin, Senior Lecturer and Transnational Partnership Manager from Queen Margaret University Business School; Sampath Perera, General Manager, ICBT (Sri Lanka); Saad Wasim, Regional Advisor, University of London (Pakistan); and Kenneth Fleming, Director Global Education at SLIIT.
The panel discussion was moderated by Griff Ryan, Head of Transnational Education at Universities UK International. They shared insights into managing quality assurance, academic delivery, and student support as partners in developing and delivering TNE models. The session highlighted the vital role of institutions like SLIIT in enabling innovative educational frameworks that transcend borders.
The invites also toured SLIIT’s state-of-the-art Malabe campus, where delegates explored advanced laboratories such as the chemistry lab, tissue culture lab, molecular biology lab, nursing lab, physiotherapy lab, then the moot court, lecture halls, and the newly established library learning commons. The tour provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with faculty and students, gaining firsthand insights into SLIIT’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to providing a holistic learning environment.
The event was moderated by Salvador López Carbajal, British Council Education Director – South Asia. Prof. Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor of SLIIT, graced the event and spoke about how SLIIT initiated TNE in Sri Lanka. The gathering concluded with an informal networking opportunity for delegates to engage further in discussions.
The impact of hosting an event of this magnitude extends beyond SLIIT’s campus. As Sri Lanka ranks as the second-largest destination for UK transnational education globally, events like the South Asia Deep Dialogues reinforce the nation’s reputation as a hub for international education. For the student community, such initiatives bring invaluable exposure to global academic trends and opportunities, empowering them to compete on an international scale. The event also exemplifies the potential for academic institutions in Sri Lanka to act as catalysts for national development by promoting knowledge exchange and innovation.
Prof. Samantha Thelijjagoda, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) at SLIIT, said, “Hosting the South Asia Deep Dialogues is a testament to our commitment to advancing education through strategic global partnerships. This event not only highlights the importance of transnational education in broadening access to quality learning but also signifies SLIIT’s role as a leader in encouraging such collaborations.”
As an institution dedicated to academic and research excellence, SLIIT has consistently pioneered efforts to elevate Sri Lanka’s education sector. Through its extensive network of international partnerships with top-ranked universities, SLIIT provides students with access to globally recognized programs while nurturing local talent. These collaborations align with SLIIT’s mission to create transformative educational opportunities that contribute to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka.
