On November 13th, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura had the honor of welcoming a distinguished delegate from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom. Prof. Moyra Boland, Professor of Creative Pedagogy and Dean for Global Engagement in Central and South Asia, represented Glasgow University in a meeting held at the university’s administration boardroom. This high-level visit was graced by the Vice-Chancellor – Senior Professor M.M. Pathmalal as the chief guest. Key participants included Prof. Prasad M. Jayaweera – the Dean of the Faculty of Computing (FOC), Prof. Rasika Perera – the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), Prof. Roshan Ajward – the Co-Chair of the Research Council, senior academic staff members from the Faculty of Computing including Dr. M.D.P. Pieris – Senior Lecturer, Head of the Department of Information Systems Engineering and Informatics, Dr.M.D.S.Seneviratne – Senior Lecturer, Head of the Department of Knowledge Engineering and Communication, Dr. D.G.N.D. Jayarathna – Senior Lecturer, Head of the Department of Scientific Computing/ Faculty of Computing and Faculty Coordinator of International Affairs and Dr. Ruwini Dharmawardene, the Director of the International Affairs Division of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Commencing the discussions, Prof. Roshan Ajward introduced the Research Council and the university’s collaborations in the research and development sector. Furthermore, he empathized with our contribution to high-impact research, social impacts, commercialization and industrialization of our research findings, patents, and current research centers of the university and their involvement in research projects. He especially mentioned the commitment of our research and alignment of their outcomes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthering the discussions, Prof. Rasika Perera mentioned the opportunities at the Faculty of Graduate Studies as the apex body of postgraduate studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Prof. Prasad Jayaweera also talked about the possible avenues for postgraduate programmes related to computer science. The Vice-Chancellor also discussed the possible research partnerships.
Prof. Boland explored avenues for academic collaboration, including potential exchange programs, research partnerships, and initiatives to promote creative pedagogy across disciplines. In addition to that, she highlighted the similarities between the research activities and centers of both universities. As one of the leading universities to tackle climate change, the University of Glasgow acts as a research beacon in the fields of chronic diseases, Nano and quantum technology as well as human and animal health. The meeting underscored both universities’ commitment to fostering global engagement and enhancing academic networks. This visit laid the groundwork for a promising partnership, envisioning collaborative projects that could bring significant advancements to both institutions in terms of research, innovation, and educational excellence. Dr. M.D.P. Pieris of the Faculty of Computing organized the visit and the International Affairs Division facilitated the event.
