Australian education partnerships hailed as blueprint for Sri Lanka’s future economy

Australian education has become one of the most powerful and enduring links in its bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka, emerging as a critical pillar for building the advanced skills and capabilities that will define the nation’s future economy.

- By NISHEL FERNANDO

Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth recently emphasised the strong and reliable educational alliance between Australia and Sri Lanka. Speaking in Colombo at the 10th Anniversary and Alumni Reunion of Monash College and the University College of Lanka (UCL), he conveyed this core message, underscoring the deep trust in the partnership.

The scale of this educational migration is significant, with Duckworth noting that there are “around 20,000 Sri Lankan students each year studying in Australia,’ gaining a world-class education. This extensive engagement is complemented by a rapidly growing Transnational Education (TNE) footprint, where thousands more students are enrolled in Australian university programs delivered locally within Sri Lanka. This dual approach allows students to gain global exposure while remaining deeply connected to their home communities.