US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Executive Director Visits Faculty of Agriculture

On August 6, 2025, the Faculty of Agriculture hosted a meeting focused on strengthening educational partnerships and expanding international opportunities for students and faculty. Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, met with Prof. Barana Jayawardena (Dean), Prof. Venura Herath (Chairman of the Faculty Research Committee and 2025-2026 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award recipient), and Dr. Wikum Jayasinghe (Director of the Agricultural Education Unit) to discuss collaborative opportunities and program accessibility.

Dr. McNamara provided a comprehensive overview of the awards and scholarship programs offered through the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission for both Sri Lankan and American citizens. He emphasized the historical significance of the partnership, noting that the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission is one of the very first commissions established globally, founded in 1952 through a bilateral agreement. Over the past seven decades, more than 2,000 Sri Lankan and American participants have benefited from various programs administered by the Commission.

A key aspect of Dr. McNamara's presentation focused on not only the many benefits to Americans but also the program's emphasis on participants "giving back" after returning to their home countries. This principle has contributed to the success of numerous Fulbright alumni who now hold leadership positions across Sri Lanka and continue to contribute to national development initiatives. The discussion highlighted how this philosophy aligns with the Faculty of Agriculture's mission of knowledge transfer and community engagement.

The meeting addressed Fulbright program participation and application procedures, with Prof. Herath giving his own example of a successful selection. Dr. McNamara emphasized that all Fulbright selection processes are merit-based and competitive. He outlined opportunities for any faculty at the University of Peradeniya to host visiting scholars and benefit from their expertise. He specifically mentioned how U.S. Fulbright Specialists and Fulbright Regional Travel Award recipients could support the professional development of junior lecturers. As an example, he mentioned that there is a Colloquium planned in January 2026, co-sponsored by the Universities of Peradeniya, Jaffna, and Kelaniya for early-career academics in engineering and entrepreneurship. Prof. Jayawardena, Prof. Herath, and Dr. Jayasinghe expressed a strong institutional desire to develop these collaborations with Fulbright Sri Lanka.

This meeting represents a strategic step toward expanding the international profile of the Faculty of Agriculture, as well as all other faculties across the University of Peradeniya. Dr. McNamara will return at the invitation of the Vice Chancellor on August 27, 2025, and give a lecture to the whole university community during International Week.