The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), United Kingdom, recently inaugurated SLIIT International in Collaboration with LJMU, a dedicated international learning facility located at No. 17, Dickmans Road, Colombo 04, marking a significant milestone in a partnership spanning more than a decade and reinforcing their commitment to providing Sri Lankan students with access to internationally recognised UK higher education qualifications.

The Grand Opening Ceremony was attended by Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside senior representatives from SLIIT, Liverpool John Moores University, the British Council, academia, industry and other stakeholders, marking the next chapter of the longstanding SLIIT–LJMU collaboration. The new facility is particularly significant as Sri Lanka’s first academic facility dedicated exclusively to the delivery of LJMU degree programmes, reflecting the strength, maturity and long-term commitment of the partnership.

Over the past decade, the SLIIT–LJMU partnership has established a growing network of more than 1,500 alumni, while providing Sri Lankan students with opportunities to gain internationally recognised UK qualifications locally. The new dedicated facility has been designed to provide a world-class learning environment exclusively for LJMU programmes, supporting future programme expansion, strengthening the student experience and creating opportunities for deeper academic collaboration, innovation, research and student engagement.

Commenting on the milestone, Prof. Lalith Gamage – Vice-Chancellor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SLIIT, stated, “The launch of SLIIT International in Collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University represents an important new chapter in our longstanding partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. Our vision is to provide Sri Lankan students with a world-class education and student experience right here in Sri Lanka, while equipping them with the global outlook, critical thinking, professional capabilities and career readiness required to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. This dedicated facility strengthens the student experience while providing a strong foundation for the continued growth of our collaboration with LJMU.”

Prof. Timothy Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Society and Culture, Liverpool John Moores University, said, “The opening of Sri Lanka’s first facility dedicated exclusively to LJMU degree programmes represents a significant milestone for the University and our partnership with SLIIT. It reflects the strength of our collaboration and our shared commitment to delivering a high-quality LJMU educational experience in Sri Lanka. The new facility also creates exciting opportunities for deeper academic collaboration, innovation, research and student engagement as we look towards the next phase of our partnership.”

A key highlight of the Grand Opening Ceremony was the panel discussion titled “Beyond Borders: The Role of British Higher Education in Developing Globally Competitive Graduates.” The discussion examined the growth of international educational opportunities in Sri Lanka, the future expansion of UK degree programmes, maintaining the quality and integrity of UK qualifications, developing future-ready graduates with global competencies, and the role of international higher education in strengthening graduate employability. The panel brought together Prof. Lalith Gamage; Prof. Timothy Nichol; Mr. Sajeewa Meepage, Representative of the British Council; and Dr. Harsha Cabral, Board Member of SLIIT.

The panelists further emphasized on emerging trends in areas including law, business, psychology and artificial intelligence, as well as the contribution of UK higher education to Sri Lanka through internationally recognised qualifications that uphold global academic standards.

The discussion explored the history and future of the SLIIT–LJMU partnership, the strategic significance of the new SLIIT International facility, academic quality, graduate employability and the long-term growth of LJMU programmes in Sri Lanka.

The ceremony also featured a special address by Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, followed by an address by Mrs. Clare Sears, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka. The evening also included the ceremonial exchange of the partnership document between SLIIT International and Liverpool John Moores University, symbolising the continued commitment of both institutions to strengthening their collaboration and expanding international educational opportunities for Sri Lankan students.