COLOMBO :The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has expressed their interest in supporting feasible small-scale initiatives related to post-disaster recovery of the University of Peradeniya.
Potential areas of collaboration were discussed when a delegation from TİKA met with the Vice Chancellor Prof Terrence Madhujith last week.
The visiting delegation comprised South Asia Desk Officer of TİKA Kazim Karabacak, and TİKA Expert (Architect) Yasemin Melez Biçer.
Among the support extended was the completion of the container-based expansion of the University Health Centre, support for laboratory and research facilities, disaster risk reduction measures such as improving riverbank protection and addressing landslide-prone areas, and the possibility of partial support for the relocation of the Faculty of Management.
The delegation also noted that TİKA is planning several development initiatives in Sri Lanka in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Colombo.
The delegation invited the university to share its project proposals and priority areas for consideration.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their willingness to explore practical avenues of collaboration to support the university’s recovery and future resilience.
The university was represented by Director of the International Relations Office (InRO) Prof S P K Malaviarachchi and InRO Project Manager Thushanika Pakkiyarasa.
The Vice Chancellor briefed the delegation on the impact of the natural disaster that affected the university several months ago, which caused significant damage to parts of the campus, including the Faculty of Management, hostels, the gymnasium, the IT Centre, and surrounding infrastructure. Sunday Times
