The Library of the University of Kelaniya is a proud partner of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project titled “Developing Information, Research, and Digital Skills for Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal” (NSIS).

Coordinated by Technological University of the Shannon, Ireland, and co-funded by the European Union, this three-year initiative (2024–2027) brings together 14 higher education institutions from Ireland, Germany, Greece, Romania, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The NSIS project aims to strengthen higher education capacity across South Asia by enhancing the role of Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in supporting research, business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

A key milestone of the project — the Intermediate Management Meeting — commenced on 16 February 2026 and will continue until 19 February 2026 at the Faculty of Computing and Technology of the University of Kelaniya. The meeting brought together 30 delegates representing 14 higher education institutions across Europe and South Asia, including participants from Ireland (1), Germany (1), Greece (1), Romania (3), India (6), Nepal (6), and Sri Lanka (12). Representatives from partner institutions convened to review project progress, refine and harmonize curriculum modules, strengthen implementation strategies, and plan for the long-term sustainability and impact of the project.

The inaugural session marking the commencement of the meeting was held at the Faculty Board Room of the Faculty of Computing and Technology. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Professor Dhammika Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Dr C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian of the University of Kelaniya; Mr Padraig Kirby, Project Manager of NSIS from the Technological University of the Shannon, Ireland; and representatives from partner institutions across Europe and South Asia.

Dr W. M. T. D. Ranasinghe, Senior Assistant Librarian and Institutional Coordinator of the NSIS Project at the University of Kelaniya, delivered the welcome address. Mr Padraig Kirby provided an overview of the NSIS project, outlining its objectives, achievements to date, and future directions. In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to international partnerships and underscored the vital role of collaboration in advancing academic excellence and innovation.

The four-day Intermediate Management Committee Meeting is expected to be highly productive and engaging, contributing significantly to the refinement of NSIS curriculum modules and strengthening collaborative efforts among partner institutions to ensure the successful implementation and lasting impact of the project.