Sources indicate that the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is considering Sri Lanka as the location for its third offshore campus. The proposal, announced in the 2024 Budget by Sri Lankan President and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, is reportedly in discussions with IIT Madras for collaboration.
A high-level delegation recently visited IIT Madras in Chennai to discuss the potential campus, with Kandy being the likely location. The delegation explored engagement possibilities, including interactions at the Research Park.
The Indian government had previously revealed plans to offer admission opportunities to meritorious Sri Lankan students in IITs in India starting from the 2017-18 academic sessions. Talks with Sri Lankan authorities for IIT Madras to establish a campus in the country are in preliminary stages. A spokesperson from IIT Madras confirmed the ongoing discussions and mentioned a future delegation visit to Sri Lanka for a feasibility study.
If the plan materializes, this will be IIT Madras' second international campus, following the announcement of an offshore campus in Tanzania's Zanzibar last year. Preeti Aghalyam was appointed as the director-in-charge, making her the first woman IIT Director.
