In a significant step toward deepening academic and innovation partnerships, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on October 18 to explore new avenues of collaboration in research, higher education, and technology development between India and Sri Lanka.

During her visit, Dr Amarasuriya held wide-ranging discussions with Prof Arvind Nema, Deputy Director (Operations), and Prof Anil Verma, Dean of International Programmes, alongside faculty members, international students, and startup founders. The talks centred on joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programmes, and cooperation in emerging technologies such as AI, clean energy, and digital innovation.

The Prime Minister also toured IIT Delhi’s innovation and incubation centres, interacting with young entrepreneurs driving solutions in sustainability, healthcare, and digital transformation.

Startups showcase frontier innovations

Two IIT Delhi-incubated startups — CYRAN AI and Cluix — demonstrated their breakthroughs to the visiting delegation. CYRAN AI presented BUDDHI, an AI-powered STEM learning kit that introduces students to machine learning concepts, while Cluix unveiled a portable water-quality analyser enabling rapid, on-site testing.

Dr Amarasuriya later visited the Research and Innovation Park, reviewing advanced facilities and collaborative projects developed with global academic and industrial partners.

IIT Delhi invites Sri Lankan students, expands outreach

Reaffirming IIT Delhi’s commitment to regional cooperation, institute officials invited more Sri Lankan students to pursue postgraduate, doctoral, and undergraduate programmes — including those at IIT Delhi’s international campus in Abu Dhabi. Officials also proposed that Sri Lankan government-funded scholarships could further boost participation and research engagement.

Proposal for Sri Lanka Academic and Research Hub

In a key development, Professor Anil Verma proposed the establishment of a Sri Lanka Academic and Research Hub at IIT Delhi — envisioned as a joint platform connecting universities, researchers, and innovators from both nations. The hub would serve as a catalyst for collaborative research, innovation exchange, and skills development, advancing India–Sri Lanka cooperation in knowledge and technology.

Professor Verma also highlighted IIT Delhi’s global collaborations, cutting-edge infrastructure, and rising international rankings, underscoring the institute’s readiness to lead transformative academic partnerships in South Asia.