On 19th November 2024, a senior management delegation from
O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India, led by
Dr. Rahul Bhandari, Assistant Professor and Joint Director & Head of the
Office of Institutional Advancement & Strategic Global Engagement (IASGE), along with
Assistant Professor Gaurav Shukla, Director of the Career Services Department,
visited Uva Wellassa University (UWU), Sri Lanka.

The International Collaboration Center of Uva Wellassa University recently hosted a Fulbright/EducationUSA Awareness Session on October 21, 2024, virtually via Zoom. The session targeted the university’s fourth-year students, recent graduates, and interested staff members.

Ms. Sabitha George, a Student Adviser from Education/USA under the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC), led the session. Her presentation provided a wealth of information on pursuing higher education in the United States. Key topics included U.S. university admission requirements, tips for university selection, application processes, standardized testing, and various scholarship opportunities available to international students.

This session was an invaluable opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the academic and professional possibilities offered by U.S. institutions, furthering Uva Wellassa University’s commitment to supporting students’ global education aspirations.

Mr. Prahlad Dahal, National President of the Nepal Dairy Association, and Mr. Randheer Chanuka Perera, International Dairy Consultant, Nepal Dairy Association visited Uva Wellassa University on 20th August 2024. During their visit, a successful knowledge exchange forum was hosted by the Department of Food Science and Technology, Uva Wellassa University with the support of International Collaboration Centre (ICC-UWU) at the Board Room of the Administrative Building of UWU.

The event featured two insightful speeches from industry experts, including Mr. Prahlad Dahal, National President of the Nepal Dairy Association, and Mr. Randheer Chanuka Perera, International Dairy Consultant, Nepal Dairy Association. The forum aimed to foster collaboration between the Nepal Dairy Association and Uva Wellassa University.

Attendees, including Dr. C. Ranawana, Director/ICC-UWU and academic staff members of the Department of Food Science and Technology and Department of Animal Science, actively participated in discussions to identify potential areas for future partnerships. This event facilitated the gathering of new perspectives to ensure a prosperous future for Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.

The workshop on Climate Smart Agriculture: Strategies for Sustainability and Resilience, coordinated by Dr. Prasad Neelawala from the Department of Animal Science under the USDA-funded Scientific Exchanges Program (SEP Fellowship) – Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), was successfully completed. The event was held on July 2nd, 2024, at the Staff Development Centre of Uva Wellassa University (UWU) and was facilitated by the International Collaboration Centre (ICC), UWU. Experts, practitioners, and stakeholders were brought together to discuss and disseminate current developments in Climate Smart Agriculture in response to the urgent global issue of climate change.

The workshop began with a welcome and introduction by Dr. Prasad Neelawala, followed by an overview of UWU by Prof. Saman Herath, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture. Prof. Sisira Ediriweera provided a comprehensive background on climate change and the forest sector in Sri Lanka. Prof. Raju Pokharel from Michigan State University then delivered the keynote speech, sharing valuable insights into CSA practices. He highlighted innovative strategies and technologies in CSA, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific research with practical applications to enhance agricultural sustainability and resilience. Prof. Pokharel discussed case studies showcasing successful implementation of CSA techniques in various regions, particularly in the USA and Europe, illustrating their positive impacts on economic and ecological gains. He also addressed the challenges faced in adopting these practices, advocating for stronger support systems and policy frameworks to facilitate the transition. Participants were deeply engaged through interactive sessions, including a Q&A and brainstorming activities under the following themes:

• Innovative Technologies and Practices in Climate Smart Agriculture
• Policy and Governance for Climate Smart Agriculture
• Financing and Investment Strategies for CSA
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing in CSA

The event concluded with closing remarks, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new knowledge and connections to advance Climate Smart Agriculture.

To further strengthen cooperation on scientific and academic research between Germany and Sri Lanka, the DAAD and the NSF have launched a new Joint Mobility Program for Project-Related Personal Exchange.

Based on an MoU signed earlier this year, the purpose of this new Joint Mobility Program is to promote bilateral scientific cooperation in both countries by creating sustained networks between various Sri Lankan and German teams formed through individual research exchanges. Both parties provide financial support for exchange of researchers (short and long-term visits) from higher education or research institutions of both countries and will cover travel and living costs for their own research teams during their stay abroad. The program is open to all disciplines.

UWU researchers are encouraged to establish collaborative research partnerships with their German counterparts.

Prof. Abdul Kariem bin Mohd Arof, Head of the Center for Ionics, University of Malaya, Malaysia visited the Uva Wellassa University on 06^th March, 2017. During his visit, UWU-ICC organized a meeting with Prof. Arof on 07^th March, 2017 at the Board Room of the University which was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the Uva Wellassa University, Dr. J.L. Ratnasekara. Dean of the Faculties, Coordinator of the Faculty of Technological Studies, and several other Senior Lecturers attended this meeting. The meeting led to a discussion on developing research collaborations in the field of Ionic Physics, initiating student and staff exchange programmes and joint research grant programmes between Uva Wellassa University and University of Malaya. After the discussion, he conducted a guest lecture for undergraduates of the University. On following day, he met research students of Material Science and Technology degree programme.

A seminar was organized to familiarize the academic staff members on the postgraduate/postdoctoral opportunities available at Chungnam National University, South Korea on 18^th January 2017at C-3 Lecture Hall. Prof. Jun Heon Lee, the Vice President, International Affairs, Chungnam National University conducted a presentation on the postgraduate/postdoctoral opportunities and it was followed by a fruitful discussion. The event was attended by about 40 academic staff members of the University and they received the opportunity to discuss about the future possibilities in applying for higher studies in Chungnam National University, South Koreawith Prof. Lee.