06-Aug-2025
US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Executive Director Visits Faculty of Agriculture
On August 6, 2025, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya met with Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, to discuss educational partnerships. He spoke with Dean Prof. Barana Jayawardena, Prof. Venura Herath, and Dr. Wikum Jayasinghe about scholarship opportunities for both Sri Lankan and American citizens. Dr. McNamara highlighted the Commission's long history since its founding in 1952, noting that over 2,000 participants have benefited from its programs. He emphasized that Fulbright's mission is for alumni to "give back" to their home countries, a principle that aligns with the Faculty of Agriculture's goal of knowledge transfer and community engagement.
The discussion also covered the merit-based application process. Dr. McNamara outlined opportunities for facu
lty to host visiting scholars, suggesting that U.S. Fulbright Specialists could help in the professional development of junior lecturers. He mentioned a planned Colloquium in January 2026 for early-career academics in engineering and entrepreneurship, co-sponsored by the Universities of Peradeniya, Jaffna, and Kelaniya. The faculty expressed a strong desire to develop these collaborations. This meeting is a key step toward expanding the international profile of the university. Dr. McNamara is scheduled to return on August 27, 2025, to lecture to the entire university community.
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