Sri Lanka and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education and development during discussions between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Australian Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill held on December 11, 2025, at the Ministry of Education.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Australia’s longstanding support to Sri Lanka’s education sector, including development assistance, the expansion of higher education opportunities and scholarships provided under the Australia Awards programme.
Both delegations highlighted Australia’s role as a long-term strategic partner of Sri Lanka and reiterated Australia’s commitment to being a reliable and high-quality partner in advancing Sri Lanka’s education priorities and broader development goals.
The discussions were attended by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth, First Assistant Secretary Karen Ann Sandercock, Chief of Staff Cameron Geoffrey Green and Deputy High Commissioner Ruth Baird. Sri Lanka was represented by Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewe, Additional Secretary (Development) of the Higher Education Sector Apsara Caldera, and officials from the Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs.
