June 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Singapore (NUS), one of Asia’s leading institutions of higher learning, in what can be described as a strategic move to enhance global educational collaborations.
The MoU was formally signed in Sri Lanka by Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, at the Ministry’s offices. This follows the earlier signing of the document in Singapore on 5th May 2025 by Professor Thean Voon Yew, Vice Chancellor of NUS.
The document was subsequently transmitted through the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore for finalisation, cementing the agreement.
Initial discussions regarding this partnership began earlier in the year, in February, and the framework of the agreement was finalised by April. With Cabinet approval granted on 28th April, the deal was officially confirmed, paving the way for future collaborations.
The partnership outlines a comprehensive plan for academic cooperation between Sri Lanka and NUS, with a focus on creating opportunities for both students and faculty. Key components of the MoU include the provision of doctoral scholarships for Sri Lankan students to study at NUS, along with opportunities for faculty members to visit and engage in academic exchange programmes.
Additionally, the agreement sets the stage for the development of joint research projects in key fields, as well as collaborative scientific activities aimed at advancing innovation and knowledge-sharing.
The two institutions also plan to introduce undergraduate fellowship programmes, enabling students from Sri Lanka to gain exposure to NUS’s world-class education system.
The collaboration is expected to facilitate the sharing of academic resources and best practices, further strengthening the quality of higher education in Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Education expressed its enthusiasm for this landmark partnership, highlighting its importance in the broader context of Sri Lanka’s vision for educational development.
Further talks are scheduled between the two parties in the coming months to iron out the logistical and operational details of the agreement, ensuring that the initiatives outlined in the MoU are successfully implemented.
