The Center for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) organized a meeting for the staff members of the University of Colombo who have completed degrees from Indian universities at the request of the Indian High Commissioner and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo. This Indian Graduates’ Alumni Meeting was held on 01st March 2024 with the participation of His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka.
Mrs Navya Singla, First Secretary (PIC), Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa, Founding Director, Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS), Professor U P P Serasinghe, the Director of Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS), Dr Iroja Caldera, the Director of the International Office, University of Colombo, Dr Saumya Janakanthi Kumari, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine graced the event. Nearly Eighty participants participated in the meeting including the staff members who have completed degrees from Indian universities working in the University and some students from the Department of International Relations, University of Colombo.
The event commenced with the singing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and India. Dr. Iroja Caldera extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Professor Sandagomi Coperehewa then presented on the topic “Origin, Role, and Activities of the Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS)” and then gifted the book ‘One Hundred Years of Gitanjali’ to His Excellency Santosh Jha.
His Excellency Santosh Jha addressed the audience, emphasizing CCIS’s significance in fostering the longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka and the rapid advancements in Contemporary India. He underscored the importance for Sri Lanka to study these developments, highlighting the positive impact on the Indian population and the numerous full scholarships available for Sri Lankan students to study at prestigious Indian universities.
The Vice Chancellor stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and CCIS’s role in strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan relations. He emphasized the need for establishing an Indian Graduates’ Alumni Association among the academic and administrative staff of the University of Colombo. Dr. Janakanthi Kumari shared her personal experiences pursuing a PhD in India, and marking the end of the meeting Professor Prasad Serasinghe delivered the vote of thanks.
