Professor E.M.P. Ekanayake, Vice Chancellor of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (WUSL), undertook an official visit to Shandong Agricultural University (SDAU), People’s Republic of China, from 15–19 July 2026 as the Guest of Honour at the university’s Annual Research Conference and the official launch of the Journal of Integrative Horticulture (IJH).
During the visit, Professor Ekanayake held high-level discussions with the senior leadership of SDAU, including Professor Changjian Leng, the President of Shandong Agricultural University, Professor Guan Qiaohong, the Dean of the Faculty of Horticulture, and the Professor Wang Li the Dean of the International Relations office. The meeting focused on establishing long-term academic and research partnerships between the two universities and identifying new avenues for international collaboration.
Several strategic areas of cooperation were discussed, including the development of joint research projects, academic and student exchange programmes, research training opportunities for final year undergraduate students, and postgraduate scholarship opportunities for Wayamba University graduates to pursue higher studies at SDAU. The discussions also emphasized strengthening scientific collaboration and promoting knowledge exchange between researchers from both institutions.
As part of the official programme, Professor Ekanayake visited several state-of-the-art research laboratories, advanced agricultural research facilities, and modern protected cultivation systems, including closed-house cultivation units. These visits provided valuable insights into innovative agricultural technologies and contemporary research practices implemented at SDAU.
The visit marks a significant milestone in the internationalization efforts of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. The proposed collaboration is expected to enhance the University’s research culture, expand global academic engagement, and create valuable opportunities for students and academic staff through international exposure, collaborative research, and capacity-building initiatives.
Furthermore, the partnership is anticipated to facilitate scientific cooperation aimed at addressing key agricultural challenges in Sri Lanka, particularly those affecting the Northwestern Province, through the exchange of expertise and innovative technologies with Chinese researchers.
As a follow-up to the successful discussions, both institutions expressed their commitment to pursuing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement will be developed in accordance with the established procedures of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and within the framework of the China–Sri Lanka Belt and Road Initiative, thereby laying the foundation for a sustainable and mutually beneficial institutional partnership.
The international engagement was organized and coordinated by Dr. W. M. Wishwajith Kandegama, Senior Lecturer, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, whose efforts were instrumental in facilitating the visit and strengthening academic ties between the two institutions.
Wayamba University remains committed to expanding its global partnerships and fostering international collaborations that promote excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and sustainable agricultural development.
