23rd January 2025: The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and Deakin University, Australia are strengthening their two-decade partnership to introduce Sri Lanka’s first Australian Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The pioneering initiative offers students, Deakin University’s first-ever Australian AI degree an offshore completion in Sri Lanka, creating a historic milestone for higher education in the country.
The official launch ceremony took place recently providing a platform to showcase the innovative program. The comprehensive three-year program delivers Deakin’s world-class education through a dynamic combination of SLIIT’s local expertise and visiting Deakin faculty, ensuring students receive a truly global learning experience, while pursuing studying in Sri Lanka.
Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Paul-Stephens said, “The Australia-Sri Lanka education partnership continues to go from strength to strength, with over 30 bilateral partnerships between our institutions and over 18,000 Sri Lankans studying in Australia currently. Through their two-decade long collaboration, Deakin University and SLIIT have been pioneers in delivering a quality Australian education offering in Sri Lanka. With the inception of the Deakin’s first undergraduate degree completion program in Sri Lanka in the growing and strategically important field of Artificial Intelligence, Deakin and SLIIT are taking their partnership to the next level.”
Professor Bas Baskaran, Pro Vice Chancellor International Research Partnerships, Associate Dean International and Partnerships, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, stated, “Unlock the future with Deakin University’s Bachelor of AI program – the first Australian AI program in Sri Lanka. Join Sri Lanka’s next generation of leaders in Artificial Intelligence and shape tomorrow, today.”
The panellists of the event included H.E. Paul Stephens, the Australian High Commissioner; Professor Bas Baskaran, representing Deakin University, Australia; and SLIIT representatives Professor Lakshman Ratnayake, Chancellor/Chairman, and Professor Nimal Rajapakse, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Provost.
The program provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical expertise in areas such as AI, data science, machine learning, and robotics. Importantly, the program aligns with Deakin’s curriculum in Australia, ensuring that it meets the same global academic standards. Students have the opportunity to participate in industry-focused projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the technology sector. Such an approach enhances their learning and equips them with skills necessary for future-ready roles in a rapidly evolving field.
Professor Roopak Sinha, Associate Head of School, International and Transnational Education, Professor of Software Engineering – School of Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University added, “Launching the Bachelor of AI course through a globally significant partnership between SLIIT and Deakin will lead to advancing technology and developing world-class AI practitioners within South Asia.”
Students benefit from regular in-person sessions with Deakin University professors and have the flexibility to transfer and complete their studies in Australia at any time. Additionally, high-achieving students can access merit-based scholarships covering up to 25% of tuition fees, making certain world-class education more accessible to Sri Lankan students.
Prof. Lalith Gamage – Vice Chancellor/CEO SLIIT UNI, noted, “Building on a successful two-decade partnership with Deakin University, Australia, we are excited to launch Sri Lanka’s first Australian AI degree program at SLIIT. Deakin’s strong global reputation, combined with SLIIT’s position as a leader in higher education here in Sri Lanka, ensures that this program will offer students a high-quality learning experience and valuable skills in Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration opens new doors for our students and helps build a future-ready workforce to support Sri Lanka’s growth in technology and innovation. We are proud to achieve this milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and the nation.”
For more information, contact: Email: globaledu@sliit.lk, Phone: +94 77 622 8989 | +94 11 754 3121, Website: www.sliit.lk
