A delegation from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia, visited the
University of Ruhuna on 29th September 2025 to strengthen academic and research
collaboration between the two universities.
The delegation was welcomed by Senior Professor Vajira P. Bulugahapitiya, Director of the
Centre for International Affairs (CINTA), and met with the Vice Chancellor of UoR. Deans,
Directors, and academic coordinators also joined the discussions to explore new
opportunities for joint research and academic cooperation.
Prof. Sudhira De Silva, UoR Coordinator for the RMIT–UoR Cotutelle PhD Program,
presented details of the ongoing PhD Program. Prof. Sujeeva Setunge, Associate Deputy Vice
Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RMIT, spoke about existing collaborations and the
way forward. The Vice Chancellor of UoR and Prof. Calum Drummond, Deputy Vice
Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of RMIT, emphasized the importance of continuing this
partnership.
Presentations were made on possible collaborations in food technology, agriculture, and
marine sciences by Prof. Jayani Chandrapala (RMIT), Prof. Guttila Jayasinghe
(Dean/Agriculture,UoR), and Prof. K.H.M.A. Deepananda (Dean/FMST,UoR). An open
discussion followed, moderated by Prof. Chaminda Karunasena, Dean of the Faculty of
Engineering.
After the discussions, the delegation visited the laboratories of the Faculty of Science,
Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology and the China–Sri Lanka Joint Centre for
Education and Research. The visit concluded with a cultural show organized by the Cultural
Centre of the University of Ruhuna.
This visit further strengthened the long-standing partnership and research collaboration
between RMIT and the University of Ruhuna.
