ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Sri Lanka and Pakistan are exploring new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in higher education, healthcare, research, innovation and skills development, following a meeting between senior university officials and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Saeed Ul Hasan Chishti, Pro Vice Chancellor of Rashid Latif Khan University, Lahore, met Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne on August 7, 2026, at the High Commissioner’s official residence.
He was accompanied by Dr. Farhat Asif, Chairperson, and Muhammad Asif Noor, CEO of Diplomatic Insight Group.
Health and Education Summit to promote international collaboration
During the meeting, Prof. Chishti briefed the High Commissioner on the upcoming Health and Education Summit Pakistan 2026, which aims to create a platform for international cooperation in healthcare, education and workforce development.
The summit is expected to bring together government policymakers, diplomatic missions, universities, healthcare providers, industry representatives, regulators and international organisations to discuss challenges and develop partnerships in the health and education sectors.
A major feature of the event will be the Diplomatic Arena, where participating embassies will have the opportunity to establish country pavilions highlighting their national capabilities and opportunities.
These will include areas such as higher education, healthcare, research, innovation, investment and skilled workforce development.
Opportunities for universities and students
The proposed summit could provide universities and educational institutions with opportunities to develop international partnerships, student and academic exchanges, research collaboration and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The organisers also aim to connect academia with government and industry, creating opportunities for institutions to explore practical collaborations in education, healthcare and skills development.
Sri Lanka interested in participating
High Commissioner Senevirathne welcomed the initiative and praised the organisers for bringing together stakeholders from the diplomatic, government, academic, healthcare and private sectors.
He expressed the Sri Lankan High Commission’s interest in participating in the Health and Education Summit Pakistan 2026 and indicated Sri Lanka’s interest in engaging actively with the initiative.
The High Commissioner said the summit could create new opportunities to strengthen Sri Lanka-Pakistan cooperation in education, healthcare, research, innovation, skills development and investment.
A. Christy Ruban, Head of Chancery of the High Commission of Sri Lanka, also attended the meeting.
The proposed summit comes as Sri Lanka and Pakistan continue to explore opportunities to expand cooperation in higher education, healthcare and professional skills development, potentially creating new avenues for universities, researchers, students and industry stakeholders in both countries.
