In an effort to deepen cultural exchange and promote academic collaboration, the Vice-Rector for Social Work and Youth Policy of Ural State University of Economics (USUE) in Russia, Roman Krasnov, has arrived in Colombo for a working visit.
During his visit, he held a productive meeting with, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP). Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda.
Officials of the two institutions discussed ways to enhance cooperation and interaction, and they reached a consensus on continuing student exchange programs and scientific collaboration.
“This visit has strengthened the relationship between Ural State University of Economics and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura,” Roman Krasnov told the media at the USJP.
“We have agreed to take our partnership to the next level by establishing a dedicated Russian Language Centre at USJP. This centre will play a pivotal role in promoting the Russian Language, fostering cultural understanding, and offering valuable educational opportunities between Sri Lanka and Russia.”
The collaboration between the USUE and USJP will facilitate the exchange of expertise and teaching resources, with the inclusion of two native Russian Language teachers from Russia to ensure effective language instruction. The Russian Language Centre, which will be integrated into the academic environment of USJP, will offer a diverse range of language courses suitable for students, professionals, and language enthusiasts.
Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “This partnership is an important step towards building a bridge of understanding and cooperation between our two nations. Learning the Russian Language will not only open up new academic and professional opportunities for Sri Lankan students but also foster stronger ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.”
Dr. Lishanthi Wijewardena, who played a crucial role in initiating the collaboration, highlighted the potential benefits for Sri Lanka’s education and underlined the importance of seeking global opportunities. Wathsala Madhuwanthi, Lecturer in charge of the Russian Language at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, was the translator during the discussion and she was keen to establish the relationship between Russia and Sri Lanka.
The Russian Language Centre will cater to learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, and will provide visual and audio learning materials to create an immersive and interactive learning experience.
A unique aspect of the program is that successful completion of the Russian language course will grant students eligibility to pursue higher education at any university within the Russian Federation. This presents an exciting opportunity for Sri Lankan students to explore academic avenues in Russia and further strengthen educational ties between the two nations.
The collaboration between USUE and USJP is not limited to language instruction; it will also extend to cultural exchange programs, workshops, and seminars to deepen the appreciation of Russian culture among Sri Lankan students and faculty members.
The upcoming signing of the formal agreement between the Ural State University of Economics and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka-Russia relations, strengthening the foundation for a more interconnected global learning community.