Center for International Relations (CIR)

Explore About Center for International Relations (CIR)

Center for International Relations (CIR) of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka was established in 2019 as per the concept of transform Ocean University of Sri Lanka as world class University in Marine Maritime and Fisheries Sector. CIR is dedicated for building relationship with global Universities, to promote multidisciplinary research and academic programs, and to enhance facilitate students and staff members by providing resources, platforms and scholarly exchanges.

The CIR has been functioning as a streamlining unit for all international exchanges and research at the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, and initiated links and agreements with several international institutions. The Center for International Relations has engaged for expanding such relations with international partner institutions.

With the concept of internationalization of Ocean University of Sri Lanka, the Center for International Relations started her journey of enhancing global relations, promotes multidisciplinary collaborative research programs, and facilitating students and staff members with resources and providing platforms to scholarly exchanges.

VISION

Development of Marine and Maritime Excellence, Cultivating Global Stewardship.

MISSION

Promote international involvement of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka through facilitating international collaborations for research and education for enhancing institutional capacity.

Objectives

To promote collaborations with international institutes for research and education
To make platform for academics and researchers to enhance capacity
To make platform for institutional capacity enhancement
To provide international trainings, workshops and symposium opportunities to OCUSL students and academics

International Collaborations

MOUs

Meetings

Collaborative Research

Services

Supporting foreign students to obtain entry visa to visit Ocean University of Sri Lanka when necessary.
Purchasing Air tickets for students and lecturers under foreign funded projects.
Registration of students visiting to the University under various programs
Coordination of activities under foreign funded projects.
Handling of documents related to various MoUs signed by the Ocean University of Sri Lanka
Coordination with line ministry for organizing collaborative activities and research
Conducting awareness sessions for students regarding foreign study opportunities

Meetings of CIR

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funding opportunities

The online meeting was held on 17 June 2026 to discuss potential funding opportunities under the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the development of a collaborative research proposal. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Komali Kantamani, Senior Research Fellow at the School of Engineering and Computing, University of Lancashire, United Kingdom.

In addition to Dr. Kantamani, the meeting was attended by researchers and scientists from several Indian universities, as well as Dr. S.U.P. Jinadasa from the Ocean University of Sri Lanka. At the beginning of the meeting, all participants introduced themselves and provided an overview of their respective institutions and research activities.

During the discussion, Dr. Andrew Barkwith of the British Geological Survey presented potential NERC funding opportunities related to the study of sediment dynamics in the Palk Bay region. Dr. Barkwith agreed to prepare a draft proposal focusing on sediment dynamics, sediment transport processes, and their implications for coastal resilience. The proposed project is expected to include research expeditions, workshops, training programmes, and conferences.

It was agreed that each participating country would develop its respective contribution to the proposal, while Dr. Barkwith would coordinate and compile the final proposal for submission. Next meeting will be held on 30th June 2026.