US Ambassador Meets Sri Lankan Prime Minister to Boost Educational Cooperation

The United States and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening educational and cultural collaboration during a high-level meeting in Colombo.

United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Jiyoon Chung, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss expanding educational and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting, Ambassador Chung highlighted the ongoing progress of Peace Corps initiatives and other collaborative programmes. She also emphasized the significance of the Fulbright International Exchange Program, which enables students and scholars from more than 160 countries to study, teach, conduct research, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the need for enhanced technical expertise within the Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations, and National Institute of Education. She noted that these skills are essential to support current educational reforms that aim to transition from an exam-focused system to a more formative, collaborative learning model. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of developing scholars who align with Sri Lanka’s broader human development goals.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both nations. The US delegation included Public Affairs Officer Ms. Menaka Nayyar; Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the US–Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission; and Professor Prabha Manurathne, Director of the Centre for Gender Equity and Prevention of SGBV and Ragging at the University Grants Commission.

Representing Sri Lanka were Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Pramuditha Manusighe, Director of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.