Cabinet approves two agreements with US universities to boost education and technology cooperation

Newswire reports that Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approved two proposals for agreements with US universities, intended to expand collaboration in higher education, research and advanced technology.

Newswire says one proposed memorandum would bring together the University of Jaffna and Southern Illinois University’s governing board. Plans include collaborative research and educational programmes; academic staff visits for research, lectures and discussion; and undergraduate and postgraduate student opportunities for study, research and internships. The institutions would also share information and arrange conferences, conventions and seminars.

Newswire reports that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya put forward the first proposal while serving as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. The proposed agreement is set to last five years.

Newswire says the second proposed memorandum would pair George Mason University with Sri Lanka’s Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies. It is intended to enable joint research, identify technical problems and develop responses in cybersecurity, unmanned aerial vehicles, space and satellite systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning and 5G communications. Newswire reports that the Minister of Science and Technology submitted this proposal and that its proposed term is five years.