Lankan PM explores school education infrastructure, visits IIT Delhi

NEW DELHI: A day after her nostalgic visit to Hindu College, her alma mater at the University of Delhi, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, continued her Delhi visit with engagements focused on strengthening academic, research, and educational ties between India and Sri Lanka.

On Friday, she visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, and later the CM Shri School in Rohini as part of her efforts to explore avenues for collaboration in higher education, innovation, and school learning models.

At IIT, Delhi, she was welcomed by professor Arvind Nema, deputy director (operations), and professor Anil Verma, dean of International Programmes, along with faculty members, international students, and startup representatives.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in sectors of research, innovation, and capacity building among others.

Amarasuriya was briefed by FITT-IIT Delhi-incubated startups, including CYRAN AI, which showcased the BUDDHI AI DIY kit, and Cluix, which demonstrated a portable water quality analyser.

The BUDDHI kit is designed to help students learn, experience, and build artificial intelligence projects hands-on, fostering interest in STEM education.

The Sri Lankan leader also toured the Research and Innovation Park, where she viewed several emerging technologies being developed by IIT Delhi researchers.

“IIT Delhi is a prestigious engineering and research institute in our neighbourhood. I believe there is significant potential for academic and research collaboration between our institutes and IIT Delhi,” said Dr Amarasuriya.

“We are already working with IIT Madras, and we look forward to expanding our collaboration with IIT, Delhi, as well,” she added.

Nema expressed that the Institute was honoured to host the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and reiterated IIT Delhi’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Sri Lankan institutions.

He invited more students from Sri Lanka to pursue postgraduate and PhD programmes at IIT Delhi and undergraduate studies at its Abu Dhabi campus.

The story is reported by Ifrah Mufti for The New Indian Express