SLIIT, renowned for its unwavering commitment to education excellence is embarking on an exciting new chapter expanding horizons with the official opening of SLIIT Kandy Uni, in Pallakele; the latest addition to the SLIIT network is set to redefine the educational landscape in Sri Lanka.
The new facility offering a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment and modern amenities were ceremoniously opened by The President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Monday 09th of October 2023 on the invitation extended by SLIIT Chancellor, Professor L. L. Ratnayake and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lalith Gamage, along with the presence of other distinguished guests. The inauguration of SLIIT Kandy Uni marks a significant milestone in SLIIT’s mission to provide accessible and quality education to aspiring local and international students in the picturesque city of Kandy.
At the event, The President Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that Sri Lanka’s path to economic prosperity hinges on its geographical location and its human resources. He also highlighted the successes of countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, which have flourished by harnessing their workforce effectively. Following the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, the President inaugurated the university and conducted an on-site tour, engaging with students to learn about their educational endeavours.
Expressing his views further, President Wickremesinghe said;
There are plans in motion to establish these universities through a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector. A key focus has been placed on reinvesting profits into these universities and the possibility of profit-sharing universities is being explored.
Our vision is to advance towards a green economy, a digital economy and a technology-driven economy, all of which necessitate a robust institutional framework. This endeavour is a collective effort
and I extend my gratitude to all those who have contributed to these endeavours today. When we observe the remarkable talents displayed by these students, it becomes evident that our country holds the potential for a bright future. In doing so, we have the opportunity to transform the historically significant Kandy area into a burgeoning technology hub.
Following the grand opening of the facility, an exhibition organized by SLIIT students from the Faculty of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, SLIIT Business School, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences and School of Architecture, took place on the 10th and 11th of October. The SLIIT student community showcased their exceptional innovations and talents through novel projects. The exhibition was open to prospective students and the public.
In the late 1990s, Sri Lanka was at the cusp of a transformative journey towards higher education, driven by visionary academics and professionals who shared a dream. They aimed to provide innovative, world-class education, reduce the burden on the state, and expand access to quality higher education in emerging fields, notably IT. This dream gave rise to the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, or SLIIT. Founded in 1999, SLIIT followed a not-for-profit model like prestigious institutions like Harvard and Stanford, focuses on reinvesting surpluses into expansion, scholarships, and facilities.
Today, SLIIT is Sri Lanka’s largest non-state higher education institution, with over 20,000 current students, over 40,000+ alumni and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs spanning through fields like Computing, Business, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences and more. It has earned international recognition through memberships in the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the International Association of Universities in the UK.
Over two decades, SLIIT has made significant strides in research, ranking among the 7th in the country, top 10 universities in Sri Lanka and the top 15% globally. The creation of the Honorary Professors’ Network has facilitated acclaimed research, particularly in postgraduate programs. Its annual intake exceeds 5,000 students, the largest in the country for undergraduates.
