The aim of the funding is to “lay the foundation for the next generation of entrepreneurs, public servants, community leaders and academics with innovative minds and a sense of commitment to Canada and the Commonwealth.”
Recently, University of Calgary’s Vice-Provost (International), Janaka Ruwanpura signed an agreement with the Vice-Chancellor of University of Peradeniya, Prof. Upul Dissanayake. These two international universities partnered with the International Institute for Infrastructure Resilience and Reconstruction and were selected to benefit from the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program. Representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, the University Grants Commission and distinguished Canadian alumni in Sri Lanka, attended the signing ceremony.
“This outstanding relationship has many educational perks, working and collaboration of major research universities like University of Calgary, University of Peradeniya and active institutes like International Institute for Infrastructure Resilience and Reconstruction for the advancement of particular educational opportunities to share the common academic experiences that are open to all of us.” said Prof. Upul Dissanayake. The High Commissioner of Canada, Shelley Whiting, speaking at the event stated that “this partnership has opened up great opportunities to strengthen further collaboration between Canada and Sri Lanka in the field of education” and noted “that it will provide great exposure to the next generation of innovative leaders in the two countries to actively contribute to their local and global communities.”
The objective of the scholarship program is to engage a dynamic community of young global leaders across Commonwealth countries to create lasting impact both at home and abroad through international learning experiences and cross-cultural exchanges.
Undergraduate and graduate students will be selected from the Faculty of Nursing, Werklund School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Schulich School of Engineering and Graduate Studies to study or attend an international development internship placement and gain academic credit for a term at a partnering institution. Meanwhile, 15 students from partnering institutions in Commonwealth countries will travel to the University of Calgary to undertake graduate studies.
The scholarship program runs until 2018. For more information about this program please contact University of Calgary International at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 403.220.7078.
