USJ and RUDN University of Russia Strengthen International Collaboration through Trade, Education, and Tourism (TET)

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) successfully conducted a two-day international collaboration programme with RUDN University, Russia, on 26^th and 27^th October 2026, focusing on Trade, Education, and Tourism (TET) to strengthen academic, economic, and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.

The programme commenced on 26^th October with an inaugural ceremony attended by Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Gamini Weerasinghe, Head of the Department of Economics, academic staff members, and students from both universities. The Russian delegation included Professor Kulumbegov M. Mikhail, Professor Dyatlova I. Maria, and Professor Sokolan S. Daria.

The first day, 26^th October focused on trade and economic relations, featuring lectures on the Economy of Sri Lanka by Senior Lecturer Dr. Ajantha Kalyanarathna and Lecturer Ms. Mayuri Pradeepika of Department of Economics for RUDN students, and the Economy of Russia by Professor Kulumbegov M. Mikhail and Professor Dyatlova I. Maria of RUDN University for USJ students. These sessions provided valuable insights into the economic structures, international trade relations, and development opportunities of both countries.

Following the lectures, students from both universities engaged in collaborative group project discussions, exploring opportunities to strengthen trade, education and tourism relations between Sri Lanka and Russia. The afternoon session featured an awareness programme on Sri Lanka’s Wellness Tourism Industry, conducted by Senior Lecturer Dr. Raveendra Withanachchi of Department of Anthropology, highlighting Sri Lankan spices, traditional wellness practices, and their potential in tourism development. Students subsequently continued their group project discussions. The day concluded with a colourful cultural show celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich cultural diversity, featuring traditional dance performances representing the country’s cultural heritage, including Kandyan dancing, Low Country dancing, Sabaragamuwa dancing etc.

On 27^th October, the academic sessions continued with a focus on education and tourism. Senior Lecturer Dr. Sampath Pushpakumara, Head of the Department of English Language Teaching, delivered a lecture on the Sri Lankan Education System, while Professor Sokolan S. Daria of RUDN University presented an overview of the Russian Education System for USJ students.

The subsequent session on the Tourism Industry of Sri Lanka, conducted by Mr. Laksiri Karunananda, highlighted the country’s tourism potential, Russian tourist preferences, and opportunities for strengthening tourism relations between the two nations.

This was followed by an engaging presentation on Russian Culture, delivered by students of RUDN University. The session offered an introduction to Russia’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting traditional Russian cuisine, national costumes, historical landmarks, popular tourist destinations, and significant aspects of Russian history and traditions.

A major highlight of the second day was the group project presentations and defenses, during which students at both universities presented their collaborative proposals focusing on Trade, Education, and Tourism. The presentations demonstrated creativity, analytical thinking, teamwork, and meaningful cross-cultural engagement.

As part of the experiential learning activities, RUDN University students participated in a Wellness and Spiritual Development Programme at Barnhouse, Panadura, featuring yoga, singing bowl relaxation, forest bathing, and leaf imprinting. These activities offered opportunities to experience Sri Lanka’s wellness traditions while promoting mindfulness, creativity, and an appreciation of nature. The experience concluded with a delightful Sri Lankan dinner, highlighting the importance of traditional food culture in holistic wellness.

The two-day programme concluded with a closing ceremony featuring the awarding of certificates, and remarks by university representatives.