High Commissioner of India H.E. Mr. Ashok K Kantha and Vice-Chancellor of University of Colombo Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in the presence of Minister of External Affairs Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris. The MoU seeks to establish a Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) at the University of Colombo.

The MoU provides for a grant assistance of SLR 56.50 million plus related academic and research assistance by the Government of India towards the establishment of the CCIS. Under the agreement, India will provide funds to establish the CCIS, its library and IT based resource centre. Annual grant will also be provided to run the Centre, provide two Chairs, award scholarships and organize student and teacher exchange. The University of Colombo will host the academic and research activities of the Centre and also provide necessary infrastructure.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof G.L. Peiris highlighted that H.E President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision for the country is sharply focused on the development of youth potential in the country and in the region. Prof. Peiris said, CCIS is a step in the right direction to tap this potential and that it would encourage people to people contacts between Sri Lanka and India and enrich them by learning from the shared academic and cultural experiences.

Prof. Hirimburegama expressed confidence that the Centre would make a strong contribution in furthering already strong educational relations between the two countries.

High Commissioner Mr.Ashok Kantha said the idea to establish this Centre was mooted in the Joint Declaration issued during the State visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India in June 2010. The President of Sri Lanka and Prime Minister of India had welcomed this initiative recognizing the immense potential that exists in the two countries to tap knowledge as a key driver of economic and social advancement.

Mr. Ashok Kantha said it is an important initiative which will contribute in a meaningful manner to bilateral relations. Both countries having interlinked destinies are at momentous juncture which presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to tap the full potential of the relationship. The Centre will promote study of contemporary developments in India, which have a direct bearing on Sri Lanka's development as a society and an economy, including as a regional hub.

The High Commissioner expressed the confidence that the Centre will serve to deepen the understanding of contemporary India in Sri Lanka. It has the potential to emerge as a premier resource centre and academic hub for studies on contemporary India which will benefit foreign policy makers, businessmen, academics and students alike.