University of West London opens first UK branch campus in Colombo with ANC Education

ANC will upgrade and redevelop its existing building into a dedicated UWL branch campus by 2026 Campus will offer 15 undergraduate and 12 structured postgraduate programs by 2026 New degrees cover high-demand areas with industry aligned programs Founding goal partnership began in 2012 to deliver identical UK programs and produce job-ready graduates Students gain direct enrolment with University of West London for qualifications and global networks Degree costs will be significantly lower than pursuing the same programs in UK

- BY SAFNA MALIK

THE University of West London (UWL) officially launched its first ever UK branch campus in Sri Lanka on 15 October.

The campus is located at R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3. ANC Education is the operating partner for the venture. The new campus extends the institutions' decade-long collaboration.

ANC Education Chairman Dr. Jagath Alwis called the partnership a critical step for the nation and said the new campus gives students access to a globally recognised British degree in Colombo.

He highlighted the economic contribution of the institution by noting the campus would help retain talent, broaden access to international education, and strengthen graduate employability.

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, addressed the initiative's importance to both countries. He acknowledged the Government's ambition to expand public sector education. He noted, "that's very important, and we support it. However, I think there will always be a place for private sector, education, private partnerships that we celebrate today."

He highlighted the international focus of British universities. He said institutions like UWL "bring that international experience and international network" to Sri Lanka. He also stressed that a globally recognised degree from a British university is a "huge advantage" for those who want to work abroad.