BRISL Launches Undergraduate Seminar on China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka

25 undergraduates from three Sri Lankan universities to explore economic opportunities, infrastructure development and regional cooperation

Colombo, October 19: Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka (BRISL) today launched a two-day undergraduate seminar titled “Sri Lanka and the Belt and Road Initiative: Building Synergies for Sustainable Development” at Amari Colombo.

The seminar brings together 25 undergraduate students from the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the University of Kelaniya, representing the disciplines of Economics, Business Economics, International Relations and International Studies.

The programme aims to deepen participants’ understanding of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), its implications for Sri Lanka’s economic development, and emerging opportunities in trade, investment, infrastructure, connectivity and international cooperation.

The two-day seminar features discussions led by academics, diplomats and development experts, including Professor Sirimal Abeyratne, Dr. George I. H. Cooke, Admiral (Professor) Jayanath Colombage, Dr. Palitha T. B. Kohona and Dr. Vagisha Gunasekara.

BRISL Director Maya Majueran will deliver a presentation titled “High-Quality BRI and Sri Lanka: Unlocking New Pathways for Sustainable Development.”

The sessions will examine the historical and diplomatic dimensions of the BRI, Sri Lanka’s strategic autonomy in the Indian Ocean, development financing, debt restructuring, economic opportunities and human resource development.

As part of the programme, participants will undertake educational visits to Huawei Technologies Lanka, Port City Colombo and Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT).

These visits are intended to provide first-hand exposure to digital technologies, major infrastructure investments, port operations and Sri Lanka’s evolving role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

The seminar seeks to bridge academic learning with practical experience while encouraging informed discussion of both the opportunities and challenges associated with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Participants have been nominated by their respective universities based on academic merit, with the aim of ensuring meaningful academic engagement and informed exchanges among undergraduates.

The programme provides a platform for young Sri Lankan scholars to examine the implications of China’s BRI for the country’s sustainable development and to explore how international partnerships can contribute to economic growth and regional connectivity.