Islamabad/Colombo (Sri Lanka): A Pakistani academic delegation, representing the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and universities, has concluded its collaborative visit to Sri Lanka. The delegation held high-level meetings to enhance bilateral collaboration and organised Pakistan Higher Education Expo 2026 at various important venues.
The objective of the visit, led by Project Director HEC Mr. Jehanzeb Khan, was to strengthen engagement with Sri Lankan universities and pave the way for further enhancement in mutual cooperation. The visit was also aimed at introducing Sri Lankan students through education exhibitions to the opportunities of higher studies in Pakistan under the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme. HEC and the universities held exhibitions at the University of Colombo, the Rajarata University (Mihintale), the District Secretariate in Polonnaruwa, and the CCL Academy Kandy.
A large number of students and parents visited the stalls and setups to seek information and guidance from the visiting delegates about opportunities of higher studies in Pakistan, academic environment at universities, on-campus facilities for students, and the overall educational experience in the country. The representatives of Pakistani academia had direct interactions with students and parents, providing them with guidance and informative literature.
Recipients and alumni of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships also briefed the visitors about their education experience in Pakistan in the local language. During the visit, the delegates had detailed sessions with High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (R.) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, Chairman University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Vice Chancellor University of Colombo Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor Rajarata University Prof. P. M.
B. Jayathilake, and authorities of various institutions including Bauddhaloka Foundation and South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD).
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (R.) Dr. Nayyar Naseer emphasised sustained efforts to strengthen academic and research relations between the Pakistani and Sri Lankan institutions.
He underlined the significance of initiatives like the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. He also stressed the need for enhanced academic exchanges and research collaborations. Chairman UGC Sri Lanka Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne appreciated HEC and the Pakistani universities for strengthening linkages with the Sri Lankan higher education institutions. He reaffirmed UGC’s commitment to the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme and the efforts to build strong bilateral academic and research linkages. He acknowledged the potential of collaboration among the higher education institutions of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
In meetings with Vice Chancellors of the University of Colombo and the Rajarata University, the academicians of the two sides exchanged their views on possible areas of collaboration including student and faculty exchange, joint research initiatives, and joint degree programmes. They underlined the need for sustained coordination to build upon the success of partnership.
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