A delegation of academics representing four prestigious Sri Lankan universities visited the Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien), in Vienna, Austria, from 6th to 15th September 2024 to participate in the Final Dissemination Conference relating to a project for Sri Lanka under the European Union’s Erasmus + Programme.
This Conference marked the culmination of a collaborative initiative aimed at enriching higher education curricula and equipping students with the skills needed to improve the livability of urban and provincial areas in Sri Lanka. It also marked a significant step forward in the endeavours undertaken by the Sri Lankan higher education sector to modernize and enhance its curricula.
The Project titled LBS2ITS under the EU’s Erasmus + Programme has its focus on the application of Location-Based Services (LBS) to Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). It has provided Sri Lankan universities with cutting-edge technology and enhanced academic offerings. The project has been instrumental in creating a regional cooperation network in LBS to ITS education, modernizing courses and introducing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approaches to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
The Erasmus + Technological Advancements and Curriculum Development Project has provided Sri Lankan institutions with advanced equipment, including GNSS systems and high-performance computers, which have significantly enhanced their educational infrastructure. For some universities, this marked the first introduction of such technology, while others upgraded their existing capabilities, creating more student-centered learning environments.
This Project has also supported the development of 16 new academic modules across both undergraduate and master’s programs including urban informatics, transport planning & engineering, geo-informatics, computing and environment technology laying a strong foundation for the integration of modern teaching methods like Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
Throughout the event, the theme of sustainability was emphasized, aligning with Sri Lanka’s “Sustainable Sri Lanka” initiative. The Erasmus+ LBS2ITS project has enabled Sri Lankan universities to align their academic programs with national policy goals, particularly in the areas of sustainable urban planning, smart transportation, and livability, The acquisition of modern technologies and the implementation of advanced pedagogical practices have ensured that participating universities are better positioned to contribute to long-term national development objectives.
The final dissemination Conference in Europe held at TU Wien marked the successful conclusion of an impactful project that has transformed the educational landscape of Sri Lankan universities. Through the introduction of advanced technologies, modernized curricula, and strengthened research collaborations, the participating institutions are now better equipped to meet both academic and national goals, The legacy of the Erasmus+ LBS2ITS project will continue to foster innovation, sustainability, and collaboration between Sri Lanka and European partners, ensuring a lasting positive impact on higher education and beyond.
These delegates actively participated in discussions and presentations highlighting the project’s contributions to curriculum development, technology acquisition, and research. They also share insights into how their respective institutions have benefited from this collaborative venture.
The delegation has a meeting with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Vienna, Mr. M.R.K. Lenagala, at the Embassy. Matters relating to Sri Lanka’s ongoing educational cooperation with the EU under Erasmus+ was discussed.
Thee delegation from Sri Lanka included representatives from the following universities:
- University of Moratuwa: Dr. Amila Jayasinghe, Mr. Niroshan Sanjaya, Prof. H.R. Pasindu and Dr. V.V. Adikariwattage, representing the Department of Town & Country Planning and the Transport Engineering Dovosopm, Department of Civil Engineering.
- General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University: Dr. Pradeep Kalansooriya, Dr. Namali Sirisoma, Dr. Manjula Pradeep and Mr. Ashen Wanniarachchi, representing the Faculty of Computing and Faculty of Management, Social Science and Humanities.
- University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Dr. Choolaka Hewawasam, Prof. Nilmini Liyanagae, Dr. Asanka Weerasinghe and Dr. Jasintha Jayasanka, representing the Faculty of Technology.
- Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka: Dr. A.K.R.N. Ranasinghe, Prof. H.M.I. Prasanna, Dr. H. Divithure and Dr. G.S.N. Perera, representing the faculty of Geoinformatics.
The conference was further enriched by the presence of distinguished participants from European partner institutions, including:
- Technische Universität Wien: Prof Hans Neuner, Dr. Jelena Gabela Majic, Ms. Anne Strümpf and Mr. Brandstätter, representing the Faculty of Mathematics and Geoinformation.
- National Technical University of Athens: Prof. Vassilis Gikas and Mr. Fotis Ntagiantas, representing the School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering.
- Technische Universität Dresden: Mr. Jonas Krombach, representing the Chair of Mobility Systems Planning.
Embassy and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Vienna, Austria
27 September 2024