The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is reportedly planning to establish its third offshore campus in Sri Lanka. The proposal for an IIT campus in Sri Lanka was announced last November in the country’s 2024 Budget presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also serves as the finance minister. The Sri Lankan government is said to be in touch with IIT Madras to discuss this ambitious project. A high-level delegation recently visited IIT Madras to discuss the future roadmap, and it is anticipated that the campus will be set up in the city of Kandy.
During the visit, the delegation also explored possible areas of engagement with officials at the Research Park on the IIT Madras campus. The Indian government previously announced that meritorious Sri Lankan students would be given opportunities for admission to the IITs in India from the 2017-18 academic sessions onwards. Talks between IIT Madras and the Sri Lankan authorities are still in the preliminary stages, with both parties planning to send delegations for further discussions and a feasibility study.
If the plan for the IIT campus in Sri Lanka materializes, it will be IIT Madras’ second international campus, following the establishment of an offshore campus in Tanzania’s Zanzibar last year. IIT Delhi also signed an agreement with the UAE government to set up a campus in Abu Dhabi. These initiatives demonstrate the growing international reach and reputation of the prestigious IITs. The UK is also reportedly interested in hosting an IIT campus, with discussions already underway between IITs and some UK universities.
The Indian government has formed a committee to facilitate the establishment of IIT campuses in foreign locations. The committee, headed by Dr. K Radhakrishnan, submitted its recommendations in 2022. Many middle eastern and South Asian countries have expressed interest in hosting IIT campuses, highlighting the global demand for quality technical education provided by the IITs.
The establishment of offshore IIT campuses allows for greater global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the opportunity for students from different nations to receive a world-class education in technical fields. These initiatives contribute to the overall growth and recognition of Indian institutions on the international stage. As discussions and plans progress regarding the establishment of the IIT campus in Sri Lanka, it remains to be seen how this partnership will further strengthen the educational ties between the two nations.
