British Council’s 20th annual Education UK Exhibition a success

The British Council officially declared open their 20th annual Education UK Exhibition on 23 February, under the patronage of Minister of Higher Education S.B. Dissanayake, the chief guest at the event.

British Council Country Director Tony Reilly and the Minister released 100 education UK balloons to mark the official opening of the event, following its theme ‘Rising to the challenge’.

Releasing the balloons symbolises the British Council’s affirmation to work with the Government to provide Sri Lankan students to achieve a UK qualification with a range of quality study options in the UK and in Sri Lanka.

Organised annually by the British Council, the UK Exhibition is the largest British education exhibition of in Sri Lanka. This year, over 50 UK higher education institutions participated in the exhibition, providing students and parents in Sri Lanka with a unique opportunity to explore the many UK study options available in country and in the UK.

The exhibition that commenced on 23 February ran till 24 February at the Hilton Colombo and attracted thousands of students and parents.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dissanayake said: “I warmly welcome the delegates from the UK universities to Sri Lanka. Your presence over the two days will allow thousands of Sri Lankan students and parents meet with you face-to-face and learn more about your prestigious educational institutes, colleges, and universities and what you have on offer for the young generation.

“In line with our vision of becoming a regional education hub, we hope that you will consider setting up campuses here to fulfil the increasing demand for the UK education and qualifications in Sri Lanka.”

Tony Reilly said, “The UK remains the preferred destination of choice for Sri Lankan students. Currently there are 8,000 Sri Lankans studying in the UK and a further 10,000 students studying for a UK degree in Sri Lanka.

“From a British Council perspective, a period of study in the UK is often the start of a life-long relationship between our two countries. The UK benefits hugely from the presence of many talented young Sri Lankans studying at its world class higher education institutions.”

He added: “We also welcome the expansion in opportunities to study for an internationally recognised UK degree in Sri Lanka, providing students aspiring to obtain a UK qualification the chance to pursue their ambitions in the comforts of their home country.”

The British Council’s support for higher education in Sri Lanka continues after the 20th Education UK Exhibition when S.B. Dissanayake will lead a high-level delegation from Sri Lanka at the British Council ‘Going Global’ conference, which held this year in Dubai.  

The Sri Lankan delegation will join over 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries to discuss trends and policy developments in higher education. This official visit is organised by the British Council in Sri Lanka in support of the Sri Lankan Government’s vision for the higher education sector.