Sri Lanka to collaborate with University of Oulu and IIT Madras

A discussion on strengthening academic and digital collaboration was held yesterday (07) at the Parliamentary Complex between representatives of the University of Oulu, Finland, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, together with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne.

The discussion focused on proposals to establish a technology research and development institution in Sri Lanka, aimed at enhancing international academic collaboration and innovation-driven research.

Attention was also given to opportunities to strengthen Sri Lanka’s digital research ecosystem and position the country as a regional hub for next-generation technologies.

Presentations were made on cutting-edge research initiatives, including the University of Oulu’s 6G Flagship Programme and the innovation ecosystem of IIT Madras.

The dialogue centred on advancing innovation, fostering global partnerships and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital economic transformation.

The discussion marked the beginning of a broader engagement on the objectives, structure and long-term impact of the proposed facility.

Also present were Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya; Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala; Chairman of SLT-Mobitel Dr. Motilal de Silva; Professor Ari Pouttu of the University of Oulu, who joined virtually; Professors David Koilpillai, Nandana Rajatheva and Shankar Mahachary Raman of IIT Madras; Kithsiri Liyanage of the University of Peradeniya; and several government officials.

Source: HiruNews