fulbright-editor – Fulbright Sri Lanka

Webinar: Roadmap to Grad App Success

October 20, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Applying to graduate school? Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and Binghamton University for a webinar on all things graduate applications!

In this virtual session, Ian McCann (Graduate Recruiter) will share step-by-step advice on completing a successful application to graduate school. If you are considering Master’s and PhD programs in the U.S., now is your chance to get your burning questions answered!

Prospective U.S. graduate school applicants, parents/guardians, educators, and university counselors are encouraged to join.

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm IST
Mode: Webinar (A Zoom link will be shared upon registration)

Registration is required. Register at: bit.ly/gradapproadmap

For more information on EducationUSA, visit educationusa.state.gov

News

US-SLFC Hosts 2026 Humphrey Global Policy Dialogue in Sri…

October 16, 2026October 16, 2026
by fulbright-editor

The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission hosted 34 Humphrey Fellowship alumni for a Global Policy Dialogue on “Security, Trade, and Strategic Infrastructure in South and Central Asia.” Delegates came from Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

These influential experts from across the region discussed U.S. collaboration in cross-border law enforcement and cybersecurity; sovereignty of digital infrastructure; joint ventures in mining; maritime trade and security; strengthening trade connectivity between South and Central Asia; public-private partnerships; and expanding opportunities for U.S. trade and investment in the region. We look forward to further exploration of these ideas. We were honored to have U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Eric Meyer, as our keynote speaker. Other key partners for this successful GPD included Kelsi Ward, Branch Chief for the Humphrey Fellowship, Dr. Peter Moran, former head of the Humphrey Fellowship at IIE and now Executive Director of the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan, and Michael Wills, President of the National Bureau of Asian Research. The program planning and delivery were a collaboration between US-SLFC, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the U.S. Department of State’s Humphrey Fellowship Program, and the Institute of International Education.

For more information on the Humphrey Fellowship, visit www.humphreyfellowship.org

News

2026 EducationUSA Roadshow Highlights Strength of U.S. Universities in…

October 5, 2026October 16, 2026
by fulbright-editor

EducationUSA at the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) hosted a U.S. University Fair across Colombo, Kurunegala, and Kandy between September 14–18, 2026.

The free fairs brought together 10 accredited higher education institutions from across the United States who shared academic programs, research opportunities, and scholarships available to Sri Lankan students seeking Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Institutions also emphasized their robust STEM programming. Participating colleges and universities included:

Albright College
Baylor University
Bowling Green State University
Fisher College
New York University
North Dakota State University
University of Arkansas
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
University of Texas at El Paso
University of Vermont

US-SLFC provided information on several of its flagship programs including the Master’s Degree Scholarship, which is awarded to six Sri Lankan students per year to pursue a fully-funded Master’s degree in the U.S. EducationUSA answered questions about the university application process and explained its free advising services including a reference library, workshops and events, and one-on-one personalized appointments.

Other participants included the USBus Mobile American Space and the American Corner Kandy, which hosted interactive experiences including Virtual Reality and 3D printing available at American Spaces across the island. British Council also shared information on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Additional events during the representatives’ tour in Sri Lanka included visits to local schools and universities plus a networking reception with local school counselors, reaching nearly 1,000 students in total. “We were impressed not only by how many Sri Lankan students we met, but also by their knowledge, curiosity, and enthusiasm for higher education,” said Andrew Van Lew, Associate Director of Graduate and International Recruitment at the University of Arkansas.

The roadshow communicated the unique value of a U.S. higher education degree, among them access to cutting-edge technologies, innovative research opportunities, workforce competitiveness, and career readiness. US-SLFC Executive Director Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., said “These fairs connect Sri Lankan students directly with U.S. universities, opening new opportunities for study while strengthening educational ties between our two countries.”

The 2026 EducationUSA Roadshow builds on the momentum of the 2024–2025 academic year, which saw an increase in Sri Lankan student enrollment across U.S. higher education institutions. Van Lew said, “In addition to being incredibly gracious and hospitable hosts, the Sri Lankan students, staff and faculty we met were knowledgeable and curious about U.S. higher education opportunities. We hope to be back in Sri Lanka again soon.”

Students, parents, and school administrators departed the fairs with a greater understanding of the role of U.S. universities as driving forces of technological advancement and workforce development, providing a valuable connection between Sri Lanka and America to increase the safety, security, and prosperity of both nations.

About EducationUSA: EducationUSA provides free counselling services to prospective students in Sri Lanka who wish to pursue higher education in the United States. It is housed at the US-SLFC. EducationUSA Sri Lanka offers guidance through the EducationUSA Adviser, who helps individuals navigate the application process for over 4,000 accredited American institutions and plan their educational journey. It is the sole official source of information on U.S. higher education in Sri Lanka. For more information about EducationUSA in Sri Lanka, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org/educationusa-advising.

About the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission: The US-SLFC is an autonomous, bi-national organization established in 1952 and funded by the U.S. Department of State. Over the past seven decades, Fulbright Sri Lanka has facilitated educational exchanges for more than 2,000 Sri Lankans and Americans, fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. For more information about US-SLFC, visit: fulbrightsrilanka.org.

Events

Webinar: IELTS for U.S. University Applications with IELTS USA…

September 29, 2026
by fulbright-editor

An important part of any U.S. university application for international students is an English examination. Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and IELTS USA for a webinar on the IELTS for U.S. university applications.

In this virtual session, Marianne Schlickeisen (IELTS USA) and Nimanthi Yatawara (British Council Sri Lanka) will share an overview of the IELTS, determine which exam suits your needs, and offer tips to Sri Lankan students seeking to improve their English and scores.

Prospective U.S. university applicants across degree types, parents/guardians, educators, and school counselors are encouraged to join.

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm IST
Mode: Webinar (A Zoom link will be shared upon registration)

Registration is required. Register at: tinyurl.com/ieltsLKstudent

For more information on EducationUSA in Sri Lanka and how to apply to U.S. universities as a Sri Lankan, visit fulbrightsrilanka.org/educationusa-advising
For more information on EducationUSA, visit educationusa.state.gov

Events

Webinar: U.S. Graduate Programs in Engineering with Vanderbilt University

September 28, 2026September 29, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Are you interested in studying engineering in the United States? Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and Vanderbilt University School of Engineering to learn more about graduate programs in engineering and what makes the U.S. the top study destination for engineers.

Led by Gabriel Luis, Assistant Dean for Global Engagement, this virtual session will cover types of engineering degrees, application requirements & tips, and more. Prospective graduate students, educators, and university counselors are encouraged to join.

Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm IST
Mode: Webinar (A Zoom link will be shared upon registration)

Registration is required. Register at: bit.ly/vanderbiltgrad

Events

Webinar: STEM Education and AI in the U.S.

September 23, 2026September 23, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Are you interested in studying STEM in the United States? Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and the Milwaukee School of Engineering to learn more about what makes the United States the #1 destination for STEM and AI-related studies.

This virtual session will cover STEM fields, application best practices, different types of universities in the U.S., what admissions counselors look for on your application, and more! This session will include a brief presentation and Q&A. Prospective undergraduate students, parents/guardians, educators, and school counselors are encouraged to join.

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm IST
Mode: Webinar

Registration is required. A Zoom link will be shared upon registration. Register here: bit.ly/MSOEwebinar

Events

Webinar: Choosing the Right U.S. LLM Program and AI…

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Curious about furthering your legal studies in the United States especially as technology advances in the age of AI?
Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka and Temple University Beasley School of Law for a webinar on earning a Masters of Law (LLM) in the United States. Discover how an LLM can advance your career, learn more about the application process, and receive tips on what to consider when applying.

This special session will also cover the relationship between law and AI with two guest speakers: Sabriya D. McWilliams, Assistant Director of Global Legal Studies and Erol Gökhan Tolay, Assistant Professor of Legal Research and Writing.

Bachelor of Law students and recent graduates, practicing attorneys, educators, university career guidance units, and anyone in legal or technology fields are all welcome to attend.

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm IST
Mode: Webinar (A Zoom link will be shared upon registration)

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

News

US-SLFC Hosts Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

September 1, 2026September 1, 2026
by fulbright-editor

The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) hosted the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, for an event at the US-SLFC office. The Prime Minister delivered remarks and thanked the Commission for facilitating a Fulbright Specialist engagement with Professor Priyanvada Abeywickrama from San Francisco State University, who spent one month in Sri Lanka consulting on education reform efforts.

To complete her Fulbright Specialist tenure in Sri Lanka, Professor Abeywickrama gave a public lecture titled 250 Years of Educational Excellence: Lessons from a Sri Lankan American. Dr. Abeywickrama’s lecture put her own academic background at Iowa State University and the University of California-Los Angeles in conversation with a 250-year legacy of American innovation in the education sector, concluding with an optimistic view towards a future of opportunity and prosperity.

US-SLFC also unveiled its inaugural art exhibition featuring works by three prominent Sri Lankan artists who went to the U.S. on Fulbright exchanges, most notably H.A. Karunaratne–known as the “father of abstract art in Sri Lanka” (1965)–plus Dumith Kulasekara (2012) and Pushpakanthan Pakkiyarajah (2020).

US-SLFC wishes to thank the Honorable Prime Minister for her investment in the Fulbright mission of mutual exchange, as well as Professor Abeywickrama for the contributions she made during her Fulbright Specialist period.

Events

2026 U.S. University Fair

August 21, 2026August 21, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Are you dreaming of studying in the United States? Visit the EducationUSA 2026 University Fair!

Meet directly with representatives from U.S. colleges and universities, Fulbright Sri Lanka staff, and the EducationUSA adviser to learn more about the programs and opportunities available to Sri Lankan students in the United States.

This year, the fair will travel to Colombo, Kurunegala, and Kandy. The fair is open to anyone interested in learning more about U.S. higher education, including prospective students & families, school counselors, and educators.

This event is FREE. Join Fulbright Sri Lanka and EducationUSA to celebrate 250 years of excellence in American higher education!

Participating institutions:

Other organizations:

Registration is required. For more information and registration links, visit fulbrightsrilanka.org/universityfair.

Events

Getting Into Graduate School: A Workshop for Sri Lankan…

August 17, 2026August 18, 2026
by fulbright-editor

Are you thinking of applying to graduate school at U.S. universities? Join EducationUSA Sri Lanka at the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission (US-SLFC) and Professor Shermali Gunawardena, PhD (State University of New York at Buffalo) for a comprehensive overview of the U.S. university application process for Master’s and PhD programs, from identifying suitable universities to submitting the application and everything in between.

Professor Gunawardena is Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at University at Buffalo (UB). Previously, she served as the department’s Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions. In this session, Professor Gunawardena will share her advice on securing strong letters of recommendation, writing effective personal statements, funding your studies, and more.

This two-part event will begin with a general information session, followed by a targeted application workshop in September with Professor Gunawardena.

Prospective U.S. university graduate applicants, educators, and career guidance counselors are encouraged to attend. Bring your questions!

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. IST
Format: In-Person
Venue: United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, M2M Veranda Offices 5th Floor, 34 WAD Ramanayake Mawatha, Colombo 02
Google Maps Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kvUz4ftPTZtvt6MC7