Sri Lanka’s premier higher education institution SLIIT, has had a long standing affiliation with the globally renowned Curtin University Australia, in delivering some of their top ranked computing and engineering degrees in Sri Lanka. As such, SLIIT has been instrumental in having produced top industrysavvy graduates in various disciplines, who have gone on to deliver value to a range of industries in the country. Prof Deborah Terry AO Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University on a recent visit to Sri Lanka, elaborated their future plans with SLIIT, and on embarking on further nurturing and producing top class graduates in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on their relationship with SLIIT, Prof: Ter ry stated “Curt i n University Australia currently ranks amongst the top 1% universities in the world. We have been able to gain such a position in the industry due to many facts. Amongst them is having a very high standard and criteria when choosing partners who deliver our degrees in the various countries across the world .These include the quality of course delivery, research ability, facilities available on campus, expertise of the faculty, their industry affiliations and learning culture.

In this sense, SLIIT has demonstrated a very high caliber and we have been very pleased with the progress that we have witnessed for our degrees through our partnership with them.” Futuristic career paths: Prof: Terry expressed that Curtin University will continue in fostering their relationship with SLIIT and was in discussion with them on some very focused plans. ”With our motto “Make Tomorrow Better” we have ensured that all our degrees are innovative and grounded in the real world and will prepare our students for the jobs of the future.

In Sri Lanka we will continue to expand our footprint significantly in terms of student population, diversified degree offerings and research collaborations.” She further outlined that plans are in place to bring a host of new degrees on cutting edge technologies. “The degrees will open up a plethora of exciting opportunities for students in Sri Lanka leading to diverse and interesting career paths. With our strong track record for producing agile graduates with a drive to succeed and the capabilities to solve real-world problems, these new degrees will create a pathway for students to capitalize on the opportunities presented by technological and social change, digital innovation and automation.”

Leading by example : She added that Curtin will also develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with alumni who will be the ambassadors that will help drive their brand values amongst students in Sri Lanka. “We have a very strong alumni chapter in Sri Lanka which we will continue to build and enhance. Talented alumni has a wealth of experience and skills to share with current students who can learn and be motivated through them.” In conclusion she stated that the overall plan and strategic objective was for Curtin together with SLIIT to collaborate in providing a unique and memorable campus experience, supporting innovative teaching and research, and in building progressive pathways for exciting and futuristic careers for students.