A delegation of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and eight Pakistani universities has embarked on its five-day academic visit to Sri Lanka with detailed meetings with High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Dr Nayyar Naseer, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Kapila Seneneratne, and other relevant key figures.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka to expand education ties as HEC invites application Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship applications
ISLAMABAD, Jul 02 (APP): A delegation of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and eight Pakistani universities has embarked on its five-day academic visit to Sri Lanka with detailed meetings with High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Dr Nayyar Naseer, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Kapila Seneneratne, and other relevant key figures.
In the next five days, the delegation led by Project Director HEC Mr Jehanzeb Khan is set to carry out academic activities under the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme, including meetings with top academicians, visits to renowned higher education institutions, and holding of education exhibitions to promote the programme during the next five days, said a press release received here on Thursday.
As a part of efforts to strengthen academic relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the visit is taking place at a time when HEC has invited applications from Sri Lankan students to win Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships – the last date for submission of applications is July 5.
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Dr Nayyar Naseer, welcomed the delegation and underlined the need for sustained efforts to strengthen bilateral academic relations. He stressed the significance of diversifying the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Scheme and enhancing academic exchanges while making efforts to build research collaborations.
The delegates apprised the High Commissioner of the success of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme. They highlighted the increase in the enrolment of Sri Lankan students in Pakistani universities during the last few years.
During the meeting with Chairman UGC Sri Lanka, Project Director HEC Mr Jehanzeb Khan reiterated HEC’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through collaboration in the higher education sector. He underscored the opportunities being offered under the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme, particularly the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. He briefed the Chairman on the accomplishments marked under the programme with special reference to the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships. He emphasised the importance of support from UGC in expanding bilateral relations through initiatives like the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme.
The Chairman UGC appreciated HEC Pakistan’s efforts to execute the collaborative programme and held out assurance to extend support for the success of the programme. He acknowledged the potential of collaboration among the higher education institutions of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He said the Vice-Chancellors of Sri Lankan universities are being apprised of the programme and its features. Efforts in this direction will further strengthen the bilateral academic linkages, he affirmed.
In their visit to Bauddhaloka Foundation – an entity that renders a wide range of services in religious, cultural and social spheres- the delegation held a meeting with notable officials. Speaking on this occasion, Mr Jehanzeb Khan shed light on the vital relations between the two friendly countries and emphasised the role of collaboration in higher education in bringing the people of the two sides closer.
