The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, will host the 2026 EducationUSA University Fair in Colombo, Kurunegala, and Kandy between September 14-18. The free fairs will connect Sri Lankan students directly with representatives from eleven accredited U.S. colleges and universities to discuss admissions requirements, scholarships, and academic programs. Students will have opportunities to learn about programs in high-demand fields including artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer science and cybersecurity, biotechnology, and other areas of study. EducationUSA, the US government’s official source of information on US higher education, will also provide students and families with trusted guidance and resources on studying in the United States.

 Students interested in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs are encouraged to attend, along with parents, educators, and school administrators. US-SLFC representatives will share information about Fulbright scholarships and fellowships available to Sri Lankan citizens. Participation is free, but advance registration is required. For details and registration, visit fulbrightsrilanka.org/universityfair.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer highlighted the strength of U.S. universities and their role in advancing new technologies: “The United States is the global leader in higher education and innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology. We look forward to showcasing that leadership through the U.S. universities participating in this fair and the American expertise they represent across these emerging fields.”

Dr. Patrick McNamara, US-SLFC Executive Director said: “These fairs connect Sri Lankan students directly with U.S. universities, opening new opportunities for study while strengthening educational ties between our two countries.”

The eleven participating institutions represent universities and colleges from across the United States. They are the University of Texas at El Paso in El Paso, Texas; North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota; University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas; University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont; Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio; University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee; Fisher College in Boston, Massachusetts; Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan; New York University in New York City, New York; Baylor University in Waco, Texas; and Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.

The fair will be held in Colombo on September 14 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Grand Sapphire Ballroom of Courtyard by Marriott Colombo. It will then move to Kurunegala on September 16, where it will be held at Royal International School from 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm. The final event will take place in Kandy on September 17 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Banquet Hall of Kandy City Centre.

EducationUSA provides free counselling services to prospective students in Sri Lanka who wish to pursue higher education in the United States. It is housed at the US-SLFC. EducationUSA Sri Lanka offers guidance through the EducationUSA Adviser, who helps individuals navigate the application process for over 4,000 accredited American institutions and plan their educational journey. It is the sole official source of information on U.S. higher education in Sri Lanka. For more information about EducationUSA in Sri Lanka, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org/educationusa-advising

The US-SLFC is an autonomous, bi-national organization established in 1952 and funded by the U.S. Department of State. Over the past seven decades, Fulbright Sri Lanka has facilitated educational exchanges for more than 2,000 Sri Lankans and Americans, fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. For more information about US-SLFC, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org

Australia and Sri Lanka have taken another step forward in our longstanding partnership, with the Australian Electoral Commission and the Election Commission of Sri Lanka signing a Memorandum of Understanding in Colombo recently.

Strong, trusted election systems are fundamental to vibrant and well-functioning democracies. They ensure our democratic institutions reflect our communities, respond to the needs of our people and maintain public confidence.

As Indian Ocean neighbors and two of the region’s most vibrant democracies, Australia and Sri Lanka are natural partners. Both countries share a commitment to credible electoral processes, strong public institutions and democratic governance.

The Memorandum of Understanding will deepen practical cooperation between our two electoral commissions, creating opportunities to share expertise, exchange experience and learn from each other on election management and administration.

Speaking at the signing, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth said:

“Strong election systems are the bedrock of our democracies. They give citizens confidence that their voices count, that their governments reflect the community’s aspirations and that their institutions serve them.”

“As Indian Ocean neighbors and two of the region’s most vibrant democracies, Australia and Sri Lanka are natural partners. This agreement brings together two respected electoral institutions to share expertise, learn from each other and strengthen the systems that underpin our democracies.”

“As Australia and Sri Lanka approach 80 years of partnership, this is another practical example of our countries working together to build strong institutions and deliver for our people.”

The signing was attended by Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth; Acting Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Electoral Commission Melinda Vernon; Director, International Engagement Joanne Ridolfi; Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka R.M.A.L. Ratnayake; members of the Commission; Commissioner General of Elections Rasika Peiris; and senior officials from both organisations.

To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Pathfinder Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, is hosting a series of lectures on the legacy of America’s Founding Fathers.

The Lecture series is part of broader initiatives by the US Embassy and the Pathfinder Foundation to promote dialogue and deepen understanding of the historical, institutional, and intellectual foundations of the United States, while exploring their lasting contributions to approaching current shared challenges.The first lecture, titled “The Legacy of Thomas Jefferson on Education and Institutions,” was held in Colombo on 10th September.

Lara Szypszak, US Fulbright Specialist, was the lead speaker at the event. She explored Thomas Jefferson’s lasting influence on education, institutions and the pursuit of knowledge. She also focused on Jefferson’s role in founding the University of Virginia and his broader contribution to the development of educational and knowledge institutions in the United States. Jefferson’s connection to the Library of Congress was also noted, as the institution’s collection was built in part from his personal collection.  The presentation further explored how Jefferson’s legacy continues through the role of libraries and archives as institutions that preserve knowledge, make information accessible, and connect people with educational resources.

Dr. Sujata Gamage, Senior Research Fellow at LIRNEasia and Coordinator of the Education Forum, Sri Lanka, served as a discussant, offering her perspectives and bringing a Sri Lankan and contemporary education-policy dimension to the discussion. Dr. Gamage synthesised her prior work and experience in the United States, commenting on Jefferson’s work and the evolution of universities in the United States in relation to the contemporary situation of universities in Sri Lanka and contemporary challenges in higher education.

The event commenced with welcome remarks from Menaka Nayyar, Counselor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy, and Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation, followed by a lecture, discussion and networking.  Representatives of diplomatic missions, think tanks, students and academia from universities and professionals joined the event and actively contributed to the discussion.