The University of Kelaniya formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institutes of Technology-Madras (IITM) - Pravartak Technologies Foundation, the Technology Innovation Hub of IITM on 23rd September 2025 at the Faculty of Computing and Technology (FCT).

The MoU was signed by Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman, Chief Executive Officer of IITM-Pravartak, and Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished delegates from IITM-Pravartak, including Prof. Gaurav Raina, Head of the Centre for Human-Centric AI (CHAI), IITM-Pravartak; Mr. Rajendra Mootha, Chief Operating Officer, IIT Madras Research Park; and Mr. Bala Muralishankar, Head of the Digital Skills, IITM Pravartak. Representatives from the University of Kelaniya included Prof. Dhammika Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Dr. Pradeep Samarasekere, Director of the Industry Interaction Cell for Computing and Technology; Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, former Dean of the FCT; together with department heads and academic members of staff.

This MoU is intended to strengthen collaboration in academic and research initiatives, thereby creating enhanced opportunities for students and faculty of the University of Kelaniya. Initiated through the Faculty of Computing and Technology, the partnership will provide access to advanced technical training, exposure to industry-standard practices, and the opportunity to engage in joint research activities in emerging areas of technology. Furthermore, the collaboration is designed to encourage entrepreneurial growth by supporting startups through incubation facilities, structured mentorship, and access to global networks. It will also facilitate knowledge exchange and industry engagement with leading international experts. In addition, students and researchers will benefit from broader international exposure through collaborative programmes, workshops, and training opportunities.

This strategic collaboration is expected to create new avenues for academic advancement, research innovation, entrepreneurial development, and international engagement, thereby contributing significantly to the growth of the University and the wider academic community.

IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation is the Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators, and Control Systems (SNACS), and is hosted by the IIT-Madras and funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.