The University of Moratuwa (UoM) had the privilege of hosting a high-level delegation from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), India, on 29th September 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening academic and research collaborations between the two prestigious institutions.

Delegation from IIT Roorkee

• Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant – Director, IIT Roorkee, and Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
• Prof. Vimal Chandra Srivastava – Dean International Relations, G.B. Pant Institute Chair Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
• Prof. Sanjay H. Upadhyay – Professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; Coordinator, ISRO–IIT Roorkee Space Technology Cell

Representatives from the University of Moratuwa

• Prof. Niranjan Gunawardena – Vice-Chancellor
• Prof. D.P. Chandrasekara – Deputy Vice-Chancellor
• Prof. Jagath Manatunge – Dean, Faculty of Engineering
• Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa – Head, Department of Civil Engineering
• Prof. Ranjith Amarasinghe – Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Prof. (Ms.) Manisha Gunasekera – Head, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering
• Dr. G.V.I. Samaradivakara – Director, International Relations
• Prof. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi – Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
• Dr. Nimal Wijayaratna – Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
• Dr. Lakshitha Fernando – Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
• Dr. Sumudu Herath  – Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
• Dr. Mahinsasa Rathnayake – Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering
• Ms. Yashodara Karunarathne – Assistant Registrar, External Affairs, Publicity and International Student Promotion Division

A Letter of Intent was formally signed between the University of Moratuwa and the IIT Roorkee during the visit, marking the initiation of preparatory work towards establishing Joint Doctoral Degree Programmes between the two institutions. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently being processed to strengthen academic and research excellence across multiple engineering disciplines. The proposed MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of information on research and educational programmes, promote collaborative research initiatives, encourage staff and faculty exchange, and support the organisation of joint workshops and academic events that will benefit students and faculty from both universities.

The collaboration between UoM and IIT Roorkee is expected to generate substantial academic and research synergies, including:

• Joint research publications and intellectual property development
• Opportunities to address real-world and region-specific challenges
• Platforms for innovation, testing, and implementation across diverse industries and communities

More details about IIT Roorkey  - https://dms.uom.lk/s/EBAx3c7sBpgw3Xn