𝐌𝐨𝐔 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 & 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐰𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐂 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

The Department of Town & Country Planning, University of Moratuwa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CHEC Port City on 29 September 2026 at the University of Moratuwa, establishing a framework for sustained academia–industry collaboration in urban informatics, urban development, research, innovation, and talent development.

The MoU creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and academic exchange through guest lectures, seminars, site visits, joint case studies, and publications, connecting academic learning with real-world urban development practice. It also provides a platform for joint research and innovation, particularly in urban informatics and smart city development, with opportunities to align student and faculty research with emerging urban challenges and the development priorities of Port City Colombo.

A key focus of the partnership is student and talent development, including structured internships, industry exposure, academic projects, and skill-building initiatives. The collaboration also envisages joint ideathons, student showcases, innovation events, and capacity-building programmes for industry stakeholders.

Importantly, the partnership will explore the establishment of an Urban Informatics Lab as a shared platform for experimentation, applied problem-solving, and collaboration between academia and industry.

Representing the University of Moratuwa at the signing were:

• Senior Prof. K.T.M.U. Hemapala – Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa

• Mr. D.L.D. Jayantha – Registrar, University of Moratuwa

• Prof. (Ms) Y.G. Sandanayake – Dean, Faculty of Architecture

• Dr. N.M. Rizvi – Head of Department, Department of Town & Country Planning

• Dr. Chathura De Silva – Senior Lecturer

Representing CHEC Port City were:

• Mr. Xiong Hongfeng – Managing Director

• Mr. Tian Zheng – General Manager

• Mr. Shalaka Wijeyaratne – Executive Director / Deputy General Manager

A special acknowledgment to Dr. Amila Jayasinghe, who played a key role in developing this collaboration within the Department of Town & Country Planning, University of Moratuwa.

Through this partnership, the Department aims to strengthen the connection between education, research, innovation, and professional practice, while creating meaningful opportunities for students and academics to engage with one of Sri Lanka’s most significant contemporary urban development initiatives.

We look forward to a strong and meaningful collaboration with CHEC Port City, creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation, research, and talent development in the years ahead.

Photo credit: Mr Melro Mendis