- Dr. Chamila Ariyananda – Chief Executive Officer of UCL Dr Chamila Ariyananda delivers the
welcome address
Monash University, Monash College and Universal College Lanka (UCL) have marked a decade of
partnership that has created life-changing opportunities for Sri Lankan students to access a world-
class Monash education.
Since the partnership began in 2015, more than 800 Sri Lankan students have transitioned from
Monash College pathway programs at UCL to continue their studies at Monash campuses in
Australia and Malaysia.
Monash College Fabian Marrone speaks at the event
Today, these graduates are driving change and positive impact in business, education, health,
government, and the wider community, reflecting Monash University’s global influence and
commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders.
The milestone was celebrated at a special alumni event in Colombo, attended by Monash and UCL
leaders, alumni and distinguished guests including His Excellency Matthew Duckworth, Australia’s
High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.
Monash alumni in Sri Lanka
Fabian Marrone, Vice-President (Marketing, Admissions and Communications) at Monash University
and Chief Executive of Monash College, said the anniversary underscored the strength of Monash’s
partnerships in South Asia and their role in expanding access to world-class education.
“This milestone is significant: it celebrates a successful and strong partnership and recognises the
extraordinary contributions of our Sri Lankan alumni in the communities they live,operate and serve
in,” Marrone said.
“Their leadership across industries demonstrates the value of a Monash education and its ability to
equip graduates with the skills, mindset and global perspective needed to make an impact both
locally and internationally.”
Dr Chamila Ariyananda, Chief Executive Officer from Universal College Lanka (UCL) said the
partnership continues to open new doors for Sri Lankan students seeking a globally recognised
qualification while remaining connected to their local community.
Matthew Duckworth, CEO of Monash College Fabian Marrone, Founding Director of UCL Dr
Harsha Alles, Director of UCL Steven Enderby and Provost – UCL Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni
“We began our journey 10 years ago with Monash, a globally renowned leader in education. Guided
by Monash’s vision for quality outcomes, their academic excellence has shaped UCL’s winning
strategy in Sri Lanka’s dynamic higher education space. Our strong partnership continues to pave the
way for an extraordinary journey ahead,” Dr Ariyananda said.
Spanning six countries across the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Monash maintains partnerships with
more than 200 universities in over 40 nations.
Ranked in the world’s top 50 universities Monash fosters a community of more than 95,000 students
and 20,000 staff, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Its global alumni network exceeds 500,000 graduates in 150 countries, including many Sri Lankans
who continue to make significant contributions both at home and abroad.
For more than 30 years, Monash College has delivered transformative pathway programs to over
80,000 students.
The decade-long partnership with UCL reflects Monash’s enduring commitment to Sri Lanka and its
vision to create opportunities for the next generation of globally capable, job-ready graduates.
For more information
Savithri Rodrigo +94 777801886/savi@srodrigo.com
