SLIIT and Deakin University unveil groundbreaking Australian Al Degree Program in Sri Lanka .

Press Confrance 23th January 2025 @ 6.00pm at the NH Collection Colombo 3 , Sri Lanka .
 SLIIT and Deakin University unveil groundbreaking Australian AI Degree

Program in Sri Lanka

25 January 2025: The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and Deakin University,

AUStralia are strengthening their two -decade partnership to introduce Sri Lanka's first Australian

bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The pioneering initiative offers students, Deakin

University's first-ever Australian Al degree an offshore completion in Sri Lanka, creating a historic

milestone for higher education in the country.

The official launch ceremony took place recentlv providing a platform to showcase the innovative

program. The comprehensive three-year program delivers Deakin's world-class education through a

dynamic combination of SLiIT's local expertise and visiting Deakin faculty, ensuring students receive a truly

global learning experience, while pursuing studying in Sri Lanka.

Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Paul-Stephens said, "The Australia-Sri Lanka education partnership

continues to go from strength to strength, with over 30 bilateral partnerships between our institutions

and over 18,000 Sri Lankans studying in Australia currently. Through their two-decade long collaboration,

Deakin University and SLIIT have been pioneers in delivering a quality Australian education offering in Sri

Lanka. With the inception of the Deakin's first undergraduate degree completion program in Sri Lanka in

the growing and strategically important field of Artificial Intelligence, Deakin and SLIIT are taking their

partnership to the next level."

Professor Bas Baskaran, Pro Vice Chancellor International Research Partnerships, Associate Dean

International and Partnerships, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University,

stated, "Unlock the future with Deakin University's Bachelor of Al program - the first Australian Al

program in Sri Lanka. Join Sri Lanka's next generation of leaders in Artificial Intelligence and shape

tomorrow, today."

The panelists of the event included H.E. Paul Stephens, the Australian High Commissioner; Professor Bas

Baskaran, representing Deakin University, Australia, and SLIT representatives Professor Lakshman

Ratnayake, Chancellor/Chairman, and Professor Nimal Rajapakse, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor &

Provost.

The program provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical expertise in areas such as Al, data

science, machine learning, and robotics. Importantly, the program aligns with Deakin's curriculum in

Australia, ensuring that it meets the same global academic standards. Students have the opportunity to

participate in industry-focused projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for

careers in the technology sector. Such an approach enhances their learning and equips them with skills

necessary for future-ready roles in a rapidly evolving field.

Professor Roopak Sinha, Associate Head of School, International and Transnational Education, Professor

of Software Engineering - School of Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built

Environment, Deakin University added, "Launching the Bachelor of Al course through a globally significant

partnership between SLIT and Deakin will lead to advancing technology and developing world-class Al

practitioners within South Asia .

  

Students benefit from regular in person sessions with Deakin University professors and have the flexibility

to transfer and complete their studies in Australia at any time. Additionally, high-achieving students can

access merit-based scholarships covering up to 25% of tuition fees, making certain world-class education

more accessible to Sri Lankan students,

Prof. Lalith Gamage - Vice Chancellor/CEO SLIT UNI, noted, "Bulding on a successful two-decade

partnership with Deakin University, Australia, we are excited to launch Sri Lanka's first Australlan AI

degree program at SLIIT, Deakin's strong global reputation, combined with SLIIT's position as a leader in

higher education here in Sri Lanka, ensures that this program will offer students a high-quality learning

experience and valuable skills in Artificial lntelligence. This collaboration opens new doors for our students

and helps build a future-ready workforce to support Sri Lanka's growth in technology and innovation. We

are proud to achieve this milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students

and the nation,"

For more information, contact: Email: globaledu@slit.Ik, Phone: +94 77 622 8989 | 494 11 754 3121,

Website: www.slit. Ik