University of Colombo Hosts Delegation from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
The University of Colombo hosted a delegation from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, on 27 July 2026. IISc is ranked among the world’s top 250 universities by both the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, and is recognised as a leader in neuromorphic computing, alternative energy sources, and materials science, as well as serving as India’s Quantum Computing Thematic Hub.
The visiting delegation was led by Professor Baladitya Suri, Chair of the Office of International Relations and Associate Professor at the Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics. He was accompanied by Professor Aloke Kumar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Professor Arindam Khan, Department of Computer Science and Automation.
The delegation engaged in productive discussions with Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo; Professor IMK Fernando, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor Kanchana Abeysekara, Dean of the Faculty of Technology; Professor Dilushan Jayasundara, Head of the Department of Physics; Dr Sanjaya Thilakarathne, Head of the Department of Instrumentation and Automation; Dr Chamindi Samarasekara, Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technology; and Dr Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office. Dr Luckshitha Liyanage and Dr Sohan Costa, both of the Department of Physics, also joined the discussion.
The meeting explored a range of potential areas for collaboration, including joint PhD programs, joint supervision arrangements, visiting faculty exchanges, internship opportunities, and shared interest in incubator and start-up initiatives. The discussions culminated in an agreement to formalise these areas of cooperation through a Letter of Intent between the two institutions.
The University of Colombo looks forward to strengthening this partnership with the Indian Institute of Science in the coming months, further advancing research collaboration and academic exchange between the two institutions.
