On Tuesday, 7th April 2026, the University of Moratuwa hosted a delegation from the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the Registrar's Boardroom. The delegation included Ms. Léonie Dauchy, an intern in the Political Section of the French Embassy and a final-year student at the École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, and Ms. Anaïs Delbarre, Attaché for educational, academic, and scientific cooperation at the Embassy and representative of Campus France Sri Lanka.
Representing the University were Prof. (Mrs.) Dileeka Dias (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor), Prof. J.M.A. Manatunge (Dean, Faculty of Engineering), Prof. (Mrs.) T.C. Sandanayake (Acting Dean, Faculty of Information Technology), Dr. S. Thayaparan (Head, Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering), Dr. T. Uthayasanker (Head, Department of Computer Science and Engineering), Dr. G.V.I. Samaradivakara (Acting Director, International Relations), and Ms. Y.S. Karunarathne (Assistant Registrar, External Affairs, Publicity and International Student Promotion Division).
The meeting commenced with welcome remarks, followed by brief self-introductions by all participants. A corporate video presentation provided an overview of the University of Moratuwa, highlighting its academic structure, research strengths, and international outlook.
The representatives from the Embassy of France delivered a presentation outlining their role in promoting higher education and research collaboration between France and Sri Lanka. Particular emphasis was placed on opportunities for academic partnerships, student mobility, and research cooperation, especially in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence.
During the discussion, both parties explored potential avenues for collaboration, including:
- Establishing institutional partnerships with French engineering and computer science schools
- Promoting student exchange and mobility programmes
- Facilitating joint research initiatives in priority areas
- Enhancing awareness of higher education opportunities in France through information sessions and outreach programmes
The Embassy representatives also expressed their interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the University’s academic offerings and its needs in terms of international cooperation.
The meeting concluded with mutual agreement to maintain close engagement and to explore concrete steps towards collaboration. The Embassy further indicated their willingness to conduct an information session on studying in France for University of Moratuwa students before the end of the semester.
Photo Credits – Mr. Melro Mendis