fulbright-editor – Fulbright Sri Lanka

WEBINAR: Demystifying the GRE and TOEFL with ETS

February 25, 2026February 26, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Are you planning to study in the United States? You might need a test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)!

Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and ETS for an interactive webinar detailing its two most popular exams: the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Representatives from ETS will give an overview of each exam and answer student questions.

Prospective U.S. university applicants across all degree types (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), parents/guardians, educators, and school counselors are encouraged to attend.

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m. IST
Mode: Webinar

Registration is required. Register here: bit.ly/ETSlk

For more information on ETS, visit ets.org.
Please email colombo@educationusa.org with questions.

News

Colloquium in Academic Preparation for Sri Lankan Educators (CAPSLE)

February 25, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Sri Lanka’s first Colloquium in Academic Preparation for Sri Lankan Educators (CAPSLE) was successfully held from January 10 to 14, 2026 at the University of Peradeniya. The event was sponsored by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC), in collaboration with the University of Peradeniya, University of Jaffna, and the University of Kelaniya. Forty participants attended and were mentored by a team of top engineering and entrepreneurship faculty from the U.S., India, Kenya, Kuwait, Romania, Singapore, and the U.K. CAPSLE 2026 developed engineering and business junior faculty members’ skills in teaching, research, publication, collaboration, and fundraising.

Fulbright Specialist Dr. Bopaya Bidanda, Ernest Roth Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, designed CAPSLE 2026 to assist young, promising academics to better identify research problems, utilize innovative methodologies, build teaching skills, attract research grants, collaborate with others, and launch their careers on strong foundations. Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of US-SLFC, facilitated the extraordinary team of international presenters in interactive panel discussions, lectures, and workshops. CAPSLE placed emphasis on identifying relevant and impactful research in the Sri Lanka context.

The event concluded with Business Plan and Academic Research Pitch Contests. The winner of the best business plan pitch was Isuru Dasanayake, representing the University of Peradeniya. He said, “CAPSLE opened up an opportunity for me to build new connections and strengthen interaction within a large academic community, at a time when the rest of the world is moving away from such social engagement and increasingly toward digitalization and online platforms. I believe the Fulbright Commission delivered a well-balanced program targeting early-career and mid-career academics which filled a gap.”

The winner of the best pitch for academic research was Rohini Ramachandran, representing the University of Jaffna. She said, “I gained new perspectives on how to structure and communicate research effectively while connecting with diverse mentors. I deeply appreciate the United States–Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission for organizing CAPSLE 2026. Their support creates unique opportunities for academic growth, cross-cultural exchange, and educational development that benefit Sri Lankan academics and researchers alike.”

Ultimately, the event provided a unique opportunity for the U.S. to benefit from stronger ties with Sri Lankan academics and business leaders. Dr. McNamara, “The team of organizers were dedicated to mentoring the next generation of Sri Lankan academic staff in that important nexus between engineering and entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Bidanda said, “With some guidance, research of Sri Lankan faculty can rival that from the US, Europe, and Australia. What we in the U.S. can learn from Sri Lankans is how to leverage frugal resources to even greater productivity.” And Dean of Peradeniya Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Lilantha Samaranayake, added, “CAPSLE 2026 boosted entrepreneurship initiatives especially among young academics. Most of them took the challenge and as a result of CAPSLE mentoring designed the next level of their entrepreneurship journey.”

Events

WEBINAR: Finding your funding: How to finance your U.S.…

February 23, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Dreaming of studying in the U.S., but wondering how to fund your studies?

Join Rahul Sampat (International Recruiter, Texas State University) for an interactive webinar on different ways to finance a U.S. higher education and learn about opportunities for international students in Texas. This session will include a brief presentation and Q&A.

Prospective U.S. university applicants across all degree types (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), parents/guardians, educators, and school counselors are encouraged to attend.

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m. IST
Mode: Webinar

Registration is required. Register here: tinyurl.com/edusa-txst

Visit fulbrightsrilanka.org for more information.
Please email colombo@educationusa.org with questions.

Events

A U.S. Higher Education Journey: From the Isle of…

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Dr. Hasini Jayatilaka is a biotechnology executive at Gilead Sciences whose groundbreaking research during her PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University prompted significant developments in the research and treatment of cancer.

In this webinar, Dr. Jayatilaka will recount her journey from a school student in Sri Lanka to a leading oncology researcher in the United States while sharing insights into U.S. higher education, research opportunities and professional pathways for STEM majors, and careers in biotech. A brief Q&A will follow Dr. Jayatilaka’s presentation.

STEM students, this one is for you! Prospective U.S. university applicants across all degree types (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) in STEM fields, parents/guardians, educators, and school counselors are encouraged to attend.

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 8:30-9:30 p.m. IST
Mode: Webinar

Registration is required. Register here: bit.ly/doctorhasini

Please email colombo@educationusa.org with questions.

Events

‘Three Songs of Ceylon’ Exhibition Tour and Career Development…

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026
by fulbright-editor

What does it mean to study the arts, humanities, or cultural fields today? How do interests in art, literature, film, visual culture, writing, research, or public history translate into education and professional work?
This tour at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) offers an opportunity to step inside a working cultural institution and gain first-hand exposure to potential careers in the arts and cultural field.
Through a guided visit to an exhibition of artists’ films titled ‘Three Songs of Ceylon’, participants will encounter modern and contemporary art within a museum context. The visit foregrounds how images shape public understanding and how media, culture, and history intersect. Participants will be introduced to the kinds of critical approaches that underpin arts and humanities study, including close looking, interpretation, and media literacy.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will meet with MMCA professionals and Sri Lanka’s EducationUSA adviser to gain insight into how museums function, the range of roles involved in producing exhibitions, and the kinds of skills and educational pathways that lead to work in curating, film and media, visual culture, education, research, design and cultural production.
This event is ideal for anyone interested in degrees or careers in the arts.

Format: In-Person
Venue: The Stables, Park Street Mews, No. 48 Park Street, Colombo 02
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdYAQVkhiboi2bp77

This tour will run three times during the exhibition. Please select your desired tour date when registering.

Dates
Friday, January 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:30 pm

‘Three Songs of Ceylon’ is partially sponsored by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission.
Tour led by Sandev Handy, Senior Curator, MMCA Sri Lanka

Events

Changes in Intercultural Communication: Trends in Language Teaching

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka at US-SLFC and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a presentation and discussion about the evolution of language learning. Dr. Jacob Minniear (Assistant Director of International Programs, UIUC) will share how technology has changed language learning, from the impact of AI on language learning to the importance of intercultural communication with technology. A Q&A and brief networking opportunity will follow the presentation. Anyone interested in learning languages—teachers, students, parents/guardians, & more—are welcome to attend. ️

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m. IST
Mode: In-Person
Venue: United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (M2M Verandah Offices, 5th Floor, 34 WAD Ramanayake Mawatha, Colombo 02)
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sPLZ7e5KP3u1WNbT6

Registration is required. Register here: bit.ly/uiuclanguagelearning
Please email colombo@educationusa.org with questions.

Events

Discover Community College: A Sri Lankan Student’s Pathway to…

January 12, 2026January 14, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka at US-SLFC and Fullerton College for an authentic insight into community college from the perspective of a current Sri Lankan student!

David Maurice is a second-year Economics student at Fullerton College who is heavily involved on campus and will transfer to a four-year accredited university next year. Originally from Colombo, David and his family are strong proponents of community college as a launchpad for students of all ages and backgrounds to begin their higher education journey in the United States.

In this session, David will recount his own path from the application process to community college, share the benefits of the 2+2 model for international students, and debunk some common misconceptions. A Q&A and brief networking opportunity will follow the presentation. Prospective undergraduate students, parents & guardians, and school counselors are encouraged to attend.

Date: January 19, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:00 pm IST
Format: In-Person
Venue: United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, M2M Verandah Offices 5th Floor, 34 WAD Ramanayake Mawatha, Colombo 02

Registration is required. Register here: bit.ly/rutgerscamdenbusiness

Events

Trends in U.S. Business Education: Perspectives from the Dean’s…

December 29, 2025January 8, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and Dr. Schiro Withanachchi (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Professor of Professional Practice of Strategy, International Business, & Entrepreneurship at Rutgers School of Business–Camden) for an overview of how U.S. business education prepares students to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The session will cover emerging trends, including the importance of AI integration across business disciplines, experiential learning in the classroom, and shifting expectations from employers. Drawing on her own academic journey and experience as a Fulbright Specialist, Dr. Withanachchi will share insights on how U.S. training can be leveraged for professional growth and meaningful impact in Sri Lanka.

This session will include a brief presentation and Q&A followed by a networking opportunity with Dr. Withanachchi.

Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 4:30-6:00 p.m. IST
Mode: In-Person
Venue: United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (M2M Verandah Offices, 5th Floor, 34 WAD Ramanayake Mawatha, Colombo 02)
Google Maps Pin

Registration is required. Register here: bit.ly/rutgerscamdenbusiness