In a significant step towards fulfilling a key budget promise, a Sri Lankan delegation led by the State Minister of Technology, Kanaka Herath, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on the 5th of February 2024, to discuss the establishment of a branch campus in Sri Lanka. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka.

Accompanied by distinguished academics and industry leaders, the delegation aimed to explore potential collaborations and finalize details regarding the proposed campus. Professor Subash Jayasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Technology at the University of Ruhuna, Professor Ajith De Alwis from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Professor B.G.L.T. Samaranayake, Head of the Electrical and Electronics Department at the University of Peradeniya, Dr. K. Piranaharan, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Jaffna, and Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Artificial Intelligence, provided valuable insights and expertise during the visit.

The delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with key figures at IIT Madras, including Director Prof. Kamakoti Veezhinathan and Dean of Global Engagement Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy. They also toured the Centre for Innovation to learn firsthand about the institute's cutting-edge research and development facilities.

Detailed discussions with Prof. Rengaswamy focused on the future roadmap for the proposed branch campus, exploring potential academic collaborations and finalizing crucial details. Their visit to the IIT Madras campus and Research Park provided valuable insights into the institute's infrastructure, research capabilities, and academic excellence. During their visit, they also met Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Head of the Research Park at IIT Madras.

This high-level visit marks a significant milestone in fulfilling the Sri Lankan President's budget promise to establish an IIT Madras branch campus in Kandy. The collaboration holds immense potential to transform Sri Lanka's technological landscape by empowering future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to drive national progress and prosperity.