Strengthening International Academic Collaboration: Successful Visit of Yunnan University Delegation to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura

14 October 2026 | Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (DCCJ), University of Sri Jayewardenepura, successfully hosted a distinguished delegation of professors from the Law School of Yunnan University, China, on 14 October 2026. The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening international academic cooperation in criminology, criminal justice, legal education, and research. The Chinese delegation included Prof. Tong Zhou and Prof. Long Cheng, along with other distinguished academic representatives of Yunnan University. The meeting was attended by Mr. A. R. P. Chanaka Udayakumara, Head of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Dr. Nishani Ranaweera, Dr. Kaushalya Hewawasam, and Mr. Rasika Jayasinghe, Lecturer, who also actively contributed to facilitating discussions on potential academic collaboration. During the meeting, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting its academic programmes, institutional strengths, professional education initiatives, and future development priorities. The visiting professors also introduced the academic programmes, expertise, and educational opportunities offered by Yunnan University, providing a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and exploring shared academic interests. A major outcome of the discussions was the mutual agreement to work towards establishing a formal academic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Several promising areas for future collaboration were identified: • Student Exchange and Academic Exposure: Opportunities for Sri Lankan students to visit Yunnan University and gain firsthand knowledge of the Chinese criminal justice system, legal institutions, and related academic practices. • Postgraduate Programme Development: A proposal to jointly design a one-year postgraduate programme, drawing upon the academic expertise of both institutions. • Academic Staff Exchange: Opportunities for academic staff from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to serve as visiting or guest lecturers at Yunnan University, with reciprocal opportunities for Chinese academics to contribute to teaching and academic activities in Sri Lanka. • Joint Academic and Research Initiatives: Exploring future opportunities for collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and institutional cooperation in criminology, criminal justice, and related disciplines. The discussions were highly productive and took place in a warm and collegial atmosphere. The visiting delegation expressed their appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Department and demonstrated strong enthusiasm for developing meaningful and sustainable academic partnerships. The exchange of institutional mementoes further symbolised the goodwill and growing academic relationship between the two universities. The visit concluded successfully, laying a promising foundation for long-term international collaboration, academic mobility, and innovative postgraduate education. The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice extends its sincere appreciation to the distinguished delegation from Yunnan University for their visit, valuable insights, and commitment to exploring future cooperation. Together, we look forward to building bridges between Sri Lanka and China through education, research, and international academic partnership.