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His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka engages with APIIT students on education, international opportunities and the future of Sri Lanka’s young generation

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News | Published on 2026-09-27 00:00:00

His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, recently made a courtesy visit to APIIT Sri Lanka. The visit took place at the APIIT Sri Lanka, Braybrooke Campus on 16 September 2026 and marked a significant milestone for APIIT Sri Lanka and its academic community.

His Excellency was accompanied by Ms Clare Sears, Country Director of the British Council, Sri Lanka, and Ms Hamzi Haniff, Education Programme Manager at the British Council. The delegation was welcomed by the Heads of Schools and Heads of Departments representing APIIT Sri Lanka.

The visit included a comprehensive briefing on the longstanding academic partnership between APIIT Sri Lanka and University of Staffordshire, UK, spanning more than 25 years. The delegation received an overview of APIIT’s growth culminating in a student population of more than 3,700 students and graduating over 6,500 young professionals through its partnership with University of Staffordshire, with over 90 per cent securing employment within three months of graduation.

Beyond its academic achievements, APIIT highlighted its vibrant student experience through annual fixtures such as Tantalize, APIIT’s inter-university talent competition; Extravaganza, its inter-university sports tournament; and Kagura, its inter-university short-film competition.

The visiting dignitaries were also introduced to APIIT’s engagement beyond the classroom through initiatives such as the Hult Prize National Rounds 2025, the APIIT Law School International  Negotiation Competition (ALSINC) and the APIIT International Research Conference (AIRC). These initiatives bring together students, academics and professionals from Sri Lanka and around the world, providing students with opportunities to develop practical experience in entrepreneurship, legal practice, research and professional collaboration.

The visit offered the British High Commission and the British Council a firsthand insight into the continued impact of the APIIT Sri Lanka–University of Staffordshire partnership on higher education outcomes in Sri Lanka.

Students Lead Dialogue on Education and Global Opportunity

Following the formal briefing, students enrolled in University of Staffordshire degree programmes delivered at APIIT Sri Lanka took the lead in an interactive roundtable discussion with the visiting  dignitaries.

The session provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with His Excellency the High Commissioner and the British Council representatives on education, international opportunities and the potential of Sri Lanka’s younger generation. The students actively guided the conversation, raised thoughtful questions and placed their own perspectives and aspirations at the centre of the exchange.

A central theme of the discussion was Sri Lanka’s distinctive strengths and the qualities that enable its young people to succeed  internationally. Drawing on their experience across different  countries, the visiting representatives spoke positively about the ambition, academic performance and potential of Sri Lankan students,  recognising their ability to make meaningful contributions on the global stage. Students reciprocated by expressing interest in  contributing to British Council events and initiatives.

Ms Hamzi Haniff highlighted the academic achievements of Sri Lankan students studying in the UK, further encouraging students to consider international pathways and opportunities beyond the classroom.

Adding a distinctive hospitality dimension to the occasion, students from the APIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism presented an elegant English High Tea, prepared and served with British elegance and traditional British-style service.

The event was conceptualised, carefully crafted, prepared, hosted and served by students from the School of Hospitality and Tourism who are pursuing their studies in Hotel and Tourism Management at the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi), Switzerland.

From food preparation and presentation to the professional service of tea and refreshments, the students demonstrated creativity, teamwork, confidence and practical expertise. Their delivery of the English High Tea reflected the refinement, grace and attention to detail associated with British hospitality traditions.

The experience also provided the students with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and practical training in a formal setting involving distinguished guests. Their contribution demonstrated the value of experiential learning and the importance of preparing hospitality professionals through practical exposure.

The occasion brought together academic engagement, international dialogue and hands-on learning. Through their active participation, the students demonstrated curiosity, professionalism and confidence, reinforcing APIIT’s commitment to developing graduates who are prepared to engage meaningfully with the world beyond studies.

This visit reaffirmed the strength of the APIIT Sri Lanka–University of Staffordshire partnership and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for students to connect with international representatives, exchange ideas and build the confidence required to pursue their ambitions locally and globally.

ABOUT APIIT SRI LANKA

Established in 1999, the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) Sri Lanka is a leading provider of internationally recognised higher education. APIIT Sri Lanka delivers full degree programmes in Biomedical Science, Business, Computing, Engineering, Law and Psychology from the University of Staffordshire, UK and Hospitality Management awards in collaboration with HTMi Switzerland.

To date, APIIT Sri Lanka has produced more than 6,500 graduates, with nearly 60% of graduates achieving a First-Class Honours or Second-Class Upper Division Honours degree and with over 90% securing employment within three months of graduation.

APIIT Sri Lanka also maintains strong partnerships with Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (Malaysia), Southern Cross University (Australia) and NCUK University Pathways to provide students a rich array of mobility options all over the world.

With a track record of championing quality in higher education for over 25 years, APIIT Sri Lanka continues to aspire to inspire love for learning through academic excellence, innovation, and industry-relevant education.