On September 19th, 2024, the President of the International University of Japan (IUJ), Professor Takeo Kikkawa, along with his secretary, Mr. Osamu Hosaka, and Professor N.S. Cooray, visited KDU for a meeting with the Vice Chancellor of KDU. The delegation was warmly welcomed, and discussions centered on potential collaborative initiatives between the two institutions.

Following an invitation from the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lakshika Liyanage, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, presented an overview of KDU. Professor Kikkawa then provided insights into IUJ, highlighting its strengths and unique offerings. Dr. Hemantha Premarathne, Coordinator of the Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre at KDU, further highlighted ongoing projects and student exchange programs conducted in partnership with Japanese institutions, including Eurasia Foundation and JF Oberlin University.

The presentations led to discussions on future collaborations, particularly in academic programmes. Professor Cooray from IUJ proposed a (4+1) degree program, which would enable KDU undergraduates to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree within five years. This innovative program would allow students to begin their master’s coursework in the final year of their undergraduate program, with the remaining portion completed in Japan. The possibility of a double-degree MBA program was also explored to expand academic opportunities for students.

It was agreed that Professor Cooray from IUJ and Dr. Hemantha  from KDU would continue to explore these collaborative opportunities in detail.

The meeting, organized and coordinated by the Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre at KDU in partnership with Professor Cooray, marked a significant step forward in strenthening  academic ties between KDU and IUJ.