Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka Explores Collaborative Opportunities
H E Maged Mosleh, the Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne at the College House on the 6th of June 2024. This meeting was a fruitful discussion aimed at exploring potential partnerships and collaborative efforts between the two institutions. During the visit, Professor Karunaratne provided an insightful overview of the University of Colombo, highlighting its rich history, diverse activities, and impressive statistics. In return, H E Mosleh introduced the University of Al-Azhar, one of the oldest teaching institutions in the world, boasting a student population of 365,000 and a staff strength of 35,000.
A significant part of the discussion focused on enhancing Arabic language education. The Ambassador expressed his keen interest in supporting this initiative by providing personnel and equipment. He emphasized the importance of Arabic language proficiency, given its relevance to Islam and Sri Lanka’s substantial Muslim community. Moreover, he highlighted how a deeper understanding of the language and culture could assist those seeking employment opportunities in the Middle East, facilitating better communication and smoother integration, and aid in combating Islamic extremism.
The potential for collaboration extended beyond language education. Discussions included partnering with the “Orabi Pasha” Centre in Kandy, organizing an “Egyptian Day” to celebrate and introduce Egyptian culture, and exploring broader bilateral relations. The idea of a one-day program on Arabic culture, in collaboration with the nine Arabic embassies in Sri Lanka, was also proposed. Additionally, the possibility of a round table discussion focusing on Arab-Sri Lanka relationships, and collaboration during the International Student Week was discussed.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to stay in touch and continue discussions. Relevant university departments will be engaged to facilitate and advance these collaborative efforts further. This meeting marks a promising step towards strengthening educational and cultural ties between Egypt and Sri Lanka, fostering mutual understanding, and enriching the academic and cultural landscape of the University of Colombo.
