Tripartite Agreement strengthens pathways for Sri Lankan youth to access internationally recognised degrees

A landmark tripartite agreement was exchanged between London South Bank University (LSBU), UK, Pearson Education Limited, and SLT-MOBITEL Nebula Institute of Technology, forging a strategic partnership that opens globally recognized degree pathways for Sri Lankan students as a catalyst for youth empowerment and national progress.

The ceremony was held recently at the SLT Boardroom and attended by senior representatives from all three institutions, including Prof. Rodney Day, Pro Vice Chancellor, London South Bank University; Prof.  Raveendran Sundararajan, Academic Dean, LSBU Global, London South Bank University; and Suriya Bibile, Regional Manager, Pearson South Asia. Representatives from SLT-MOBITEL and the Nebula Institute included Riyaz Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Naleen Jayasuriya, Chief People Officer, along with other senior officials, were also in attendance.

As the education arm of SLT-MOBITEL, Nebula Institute of Technology connects local talent with international academic standards. The partnership with LSBU and Pearson further elevates Nebula Institute’s role as a gateway to international degrees, building on the existing collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire. Furthermore, it reaffirms SLT‑MOBITEL’s commitment to leverage education as a driver for national talent growth.

Discussing the agreement, Jane Baker, Vice President – Enterprise Learning & Skills, Pearson said, “This tripartite agreement between Pearson, London South Bank University, and SLT‑MOBITEL Nebula Institute of Technology demonstrates the commitment from all three institutions to collaborate to find solutions for learners. These institutions share our vision to provide students with the skills to achieve their potential through highly relevant, industry-led higher education. We are proud and delighted to be partnering to provide students at SLT‑MOBITEL IoT with an internationally recognised degree, embedding the Pearson undergraduate Higher National qualification.”

Under the agreement, Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates will gain access to top-up degree pathways, enabling them to complete internationally recognised bachelor’s degrees efficiently. The available programmes include the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) and BSc (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Furthermore, these pathways are also open to SLT employees, effectively creating avenues for them to not only develop and amplify existing skillsets but also create new potential within their own careers and futures. 

Keeping its programmes industry-led and focused on high-demand fields such as engineering, cyber security, and artificial intelligence, Nebula Institute equips students with the skills that the digital economy requires. In doing so, the Institute supports Sri Lanka’s wider digital transformation and the development of a knowledge economy.

Delivered as one-year, part-time weekend programmes, these pathways provide advanced knowledge and strengthen employability, equipping learners with globally relevant skills and allowing them to engage with internationally recognised degrees, without leaving the country.

Janaka Silva, General Manager – Human Capital Development, SLT-MOBITEL shared his thoughts, saying, “At SLT-MOBITEL, we recognize that developing future-ready talent is essential to driving digital transformation and national progress. This partnership with London South Bank University and Pearson represents a significant step in expanding access to internationally recognized qualifications while ensuring that learning remains closely aligned with industry needs. Through Nebula Institute, we are committed to creating meaningful pathways that empower learners with the knowledge, skills, and global exposure required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”