The Grodno State Medical University of the Republic of Belarus has expressed interest in opening up a branch in Sri Lanka. A delegation from the university is currently touring Sri Lanka to discuss its plans and if executed Sri Lanka will be the first country with a branch of the Grodno State Medical University.

The University intends to open up a branch of its preparatory courses department in 2018 and will recruit local teaching staff. The university however will send specialists on short-term visits for educational support, academic training, performance review and evaluation.

However, in 2015 the newly elected government announced plans to invite foreign universities to set up campuses and offer programmes in Sri Lanka in fields other than medicine. The discussions with Grodno State Medical University indicate the government may soon announce a change in these policies.

If you wish to obtain further information on the latest developments in the Sri Lankan Higher Education sector, please write to Nishika Hassim - Acting Manager Higher Education and Education Services and cc to siemsouthasia@britishcouncil.org