The University of Kelaniya and the Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI), Japan continued discussions to strengthen and expand their academic collaboration during a visit by a KCGI delegation, building upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) initially signed between the two institutions in 2019. The discussions were held on January 14, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, University of Kelaniya.

The 2019 MoU laid the foundation for cooperation in postgraduate education, research, and academic exchange. The current visit focused on reviewing progress and exploring opportunities to enhance collaboration aligned with emerging academic and global workforce needs under the renewed and expanded MoU signed in 2025.

The visit comprised a series of structured meetings and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing cooperation in graduate education, postgraduate research, academic exchange, and student mobility between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The Japanese delegation from the Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI), Japan, comprised Professor Sanford Gold, Chief Academic Officer, and Dr Ananda Nepal, Head of the International Students Recruitment Division. The discussions were led by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor, with the participation and active engagement by Senior Professor Priyani A. Paranagama, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies;  Senior  Professor Patrick Ratnayake of the Department of Drama, Cinema & Television, Faculty of Humanities;  Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Professor Kaushalya Yatigammana, Chairperson of the Board of Study in Digital Learning; Ms M. M. N. T. K. Yalegama, Deputy Registrar of the Academic Establishment Division; Mr K. B. S. L. Wijeratne, Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; and Mr S. Manivannan, Deputy Registrar of the Center for Distance and Continuing Education.

The programme included faculty-level discussions, a student awareness programme, and a forum with academic staff, followed by a strategic meeting with the Vice-Chancellor. These engagements focused on joint academic programmes, postgraduate research collaborations, student mobility, and digital learning initiatives, with particular emphasis on strengthening pathways in graduate education between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The collaboration between the University of Kelaniya and KCGI is expected to generate significant benefits for students of both institutions, including special access to international scholarships, enhanced global exposure, joint research opportunities, and improved employability in international and technology-driven sectors. The partnership also supports career pathways linked to overseas employment and foreign currency earnings, while fostering collaborative research and innovation that benefits both Sri Lanka and Japan.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of the University of Kelaniya and KCGI, Japan, to deepening international academic partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing graduate education and research through sustained and forward-looking collaboration.