News
Sri Lanka to benefit from Cambridge Climate Course and Flinders University Campus
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the government’s commitment to creating the most advanced, future-focused educational system in South Asia. He highlighted that education remains the nation’s greatest asset and that the government has prioritized funding for education and integrating new technology despite economic challenges.
In line with the President’s vision, two major initiatives have been announced, promising a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s educational landscape.
Firstly, the Cambridge Climate Quest, a self-paced study course designed for students in Grades 8-12, will soon be available to all Sri Lankan students free of charge. This comprehensive program, offered in all three national languages, promises to equip young learners with essential knowledge on climate and sustainability.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive Cambridge Certification. The course content has been meticulously created and curated by scholars from Cambridge Zero, the research wing of the University of Cambridge, which leads global efforts in climate and sustainability studies.
Christine Ozden, Global Director of Cambridge University Press and Assessments, recently met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha, pledging support for this initiative as part of the new educational reforms.
Additionally, Flinders University, Australia, is set to establish an offshore campus in Sri Lanka. Professor Colin Stirling, Vice Chancellor of Flinders University, met with President Wickremesinghe for the final round of discussions. This new campus aims to meet the regional demand for higher education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and pathway programs in various fields, including Engineering, Information Technology, Business Studies/Management, Finance, Marketing, and Medicine. Flinders University’s presence in Sri Lanka is expected to significantly enhance the country’s educational offerings and provide local students with greater access to world-class education.
President’s Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage, Chairman of Gateway International School Group Dr. Harsha Alles, Aravinda de Silva and others attended the event.
[PMD]
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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