Sri Lanka’s Erasmus Mundus Webinar: A Gateway to European Higher Education Opportunities

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, through its Overseas Education Division under the purview of the Higher Education Section, in collaboration with the Erasmus+ National Focal Point for Sri Lanka and European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka, successfully hosted the Erasmus+ Information Webinar on Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) in Colombo on November 8, 2024.

This event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse audience, including recent graduates and final-year students from state and non-state universities in Sri Lanka, aspiring individuals seeking higher education opportunities in Europe, academics representing both state universities and non- state higher education institutions, and government officials from various ministries and departments. 

This event, conducted as an online webinar, which targeted to raise awareness about the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship programme (EMJM) in Sri Lanka by giving opportunities to 760 virtual attendees, which is a huge success. The webinar offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility requirements, benefits, and practical application strategies essential for successful applications.  

Key speakers included:

1. Ms. Seuwandi Yapa, Program Manager at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, who provided an overview of the Erasmus Mundus programs.
2. Dr. Nandana Mihindukulasooriya, Senior Research Scientist at IBM Research AI, and former Country Representative of Erasmus Mundus Association – Sri Lanka, shared insights into the application process.
3. Prof. Neelakshi C. Premawardhena from the University of Kelaniya, shared her institutional experience on EMJM.
4. Three Erasmus Mundus Alumni scholars, who shared their EMJM experiences : (a) Mr. Punsisi Liyanage, (b)Ms. Navodya Kumarasinghe and (c)Mr. Indunil Ranwella
5. Dr. Ashiqur Rahman, Regional Manager – Asia, Centralised Support to the Network of Erasmus+ National Focal Points and the President of the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), who shared personal experiences and facilitated an interactive Q&A session.

Ms. Yapa introduced the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship Program, covering eligibility and benefits. Dr. Mihindukulasooriya provided strategic advice on building a strong application, highlighting key steps and tips to stand out during the competitive application process. Prof. Premawardhena who presented 3 students from the University of Kelaniya, shared personal experiences of those who had joined with the Erasmus Mundus scholarship program. And Dr. Rahman led a Q&A session, addressing attendees’ specific questions about the program.

Building on the success of the recent event, the organizers are committed to sustaining momentum through a series of targeted initiatives. These include conducting additional training sessions, hosting virtual follow-up meetings, and establishing an Erasmus Alumni network under the leadership of the Erasmus+ National Focal Point. This network will provide valuable guidance to prospective applicants, enhancing their readiness for Erasmus+ opportunities. 

Extensive promotional efforts, including strategic outreach via universities and social media platforms, were instrumental in attracting a diverse audience to the event. The Ministry of Education is dedicated to leveraging this success by organizing further initiatives aimed at fostering continued interest and participation in Erasmus+ programs, thereby advancing Sri Lanka's higher education sector.