Our Story

In the heart of bustling Toronto, a transformative journey began. It was a story that sparked from a Zoom meeting at the Sri Lankan High Commission, where minds converged, and dreams took flight.

June 8, 2022, a virtual gathering like no other. Representatives from U 15 universities, Sri Lankan academics residing in Canada, MITACS, and distinguished Vice Chancellors from Sri Lankan universities came together. To carve a path towards academic excellence, igniting a beacon of hope for the future of Sri Lankan academia. And thus, the Canadian Network of Sri Lankan Academics (CaNSLA) was born.

Fast forward to September 2022, and the excitement only intensified as Dr. Susil Prema Jayantha, the honorable Minister of Education, graced Toronto with his presence. Zoom meetings and in-person discussions buzzed with energy, laying the groundwork for a partnership that would redefine scholarly collaboration.

May 18, 2023, marked another milestone as Dr. Suren Raghavan, the Honorable State Minister of Higher Education, joined the conversation. Ideas flowed, alliances solidified, and the vision for CaNSLA grew stronger with each passing moment.

As the months rolled by, CaNSLA's momentum only accelerated. November 2023 saw the appointment of an interim committee, a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Dr. Suren Raghavan towards fostering academic excellence. But CaNSLA's journey was just beginning. December 8, 2023, marked the launch of a groundbreaking membership drive, leveraging innovative tools like MS Forms to connect with Sri Lankan academics and students across Canada.

And as the new year dawned, CaNSLA's reach extended even further. Meetings with the Canadian High Commissioner and discussions with Dr. Suren Raghavan underscored the organization's commitment to breaking down barriers and building bridges across borders.

Finally, on February 16, 2024, a special general meeting convened to approve bylaws and establish the Executive Committee. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to the tireless dedication and unwavering vision of CaNSLA.

Today, CaNSLA stands as a inspiration of hope, a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless potential of Sri Lankan academia. Join us on this remarkable journey as we shape the future of education, one partnership at a time. Together, we can achieve greatness. Together, we are CaNSLA.