Official Visit to the University of Adelaide

A delegation comprising Capt. Ajith Peiris, President/CEO, CINEC Campus and Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, Deputy President/ Deputy CEO undertook an official visit to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Adelaide, as part of CINEC Campus’s long-standing institutional collaboration with the University.

The delegation was warmly received by academic and administrative representatives from Adelaide . The meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring relationship between the two institutions, which has been sustained over several years through continuous academic and strategic engagement. The Adelaide liaison officer, who has been closely coordinating CINEC-related activities in collaboration with Vice President Capt. Peshala Medagama, demonstrated a high level of familiarity with CINEC’s academic and professional contributions.

MOU Status and Institutional Updates

During discussions, the University of Adelaide representatives informed that, following the recent amalgamation of two universities, a comprehensive review of existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) is currently underway. It was confirmed that the CINEC MOU is included in this review process and is expected to be finalized in the near future, paving the way for formal renewal and signing.

The University expressed its continued commitment and strong willingness to further strengthen collaboration with CINEC Campus across mutually beneficial academic and professional domains.

Strategic Discussion: Aviation Training Initiative

A key focus of the discussions was the potential establishment of a flying school in Sri Lanka in partnership with the University of Adelaide.

CINEC’s longstanding expertise in maritime education, engineering, and the training of marine captains and engineers was highlighted as a strong foundation for expansion into aviation training. The proposed initiative seeks to develop aviation education as a complementary discipline, leveraging existing institutional strengths and resources.

The proposed model emphasizes a phased and cost-effective approach:

      •     Delivery of theoretical and laboratory-based aviation training in Sri Lanka using existing infrastructure and academic resources at CINEC.

      •     Utilization of the University of Adelaide’s facilities for flight training components.

      •     Avoidance of significant upfront capital investment in aircraft and full-scale aviation infrastructure in Sri Lanka during the initial stage.

This blended approach is expected to significantly reduce initial project costs while enabling gradual capacity development.

Resource Optimization and Implementation Strategy

The discussion further highlighted the importance of maintaining a lean permanent academic and administrative structure, supplemented by visiting international experts and industry professionals with strong aviation sector linkages.

CINEC’s extensive national and industry networks, including connections with Sri Lankan Airlines, the Sri Lanka Air Force, and other aviation stakeholders, were identified as key enablers for successful implementation.

It was also noted that a feasibility study on establishing a flying school had been conducted previously, further supporting the viability and readiness of the proposed initiative.

Conclusion

Both parties acknowledged a significant opportunity to advance the partnership into a new strategic domain by establishing Sri Lanka’s first structured aviation training pathway through a collaborative model. The University of Adelaide reaffirmed its interest in continuing engagement, and both institutions agreed to proceed with the formal MOU finalization process in the near future.