Pakistan, Sri Lanka Expand Higher Education Cooperation Through HEC Visit
Pakistan Sri Lanka education cooperation received a boost as a delegation from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and eight Pakistani universities began a five-day visit to Sri Lanka. The delegation aims to strengthen academic partnerships between the two countries. During the visit, members will meet education leaders, promote scholarship opportunities and explore new research collaborations. The initiative forms part of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme.
The delegation, led by HEC Project Director Jehanzeb Khan, met Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Dr Nayyar Naseer, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Kapila Seneneratne. In addition, the team will visit leading universities and organize education exhibitions to encourage more Sri Lankan students to study in Pakistan.
HEC Promotes Scholarships and Research Partnerships
The visit comes as HEC invites Sri Lankan students to apply for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. The application deadline is July 5. Therefore, officials are using the visit to raise awareness about the programme and its benefits.
High Commissioner Dr Nayyar Naseer welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of expanding academic exchanges. He also encouraged both countries to strengthen research partnerships and diversify the scholarship programme. Moreover, delegation members shared the programme’s achievements and highlighted the growing number of Sri Lankan students enrolled in Pakistani universities.
Universities Strengthen Bilateral Academic Ties
During a meeting with the UGC chairman, Jehanzeb Khan reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to stronger higher education cooperation. He outlined scholarship opportunities and reviewed the programme’s progress. Furthermore, he requested UGC support to expand collaboration between universities in both countries.
Professor Kapila Seneneratne praised HEC’s efforts and promised continued support for the initiative. He said Sri Lankan vice-chancellors were receiving information about the programme to encourage greater participation.
The delegation also visited the Bauddhaloka Foundation and met its senior officials. Jehanzeb Khan highlighted the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He said stronger university partnerships, student exchanges and joint research projects would bring the people of both countries closer and create new opportunities for academic excellence.
