New SAU-RCSS pact to boost South Asian dialogue

In a significant development, the South Asian University (SAU) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) in Colombo, aimed at fostering research networks and collaborations across South Asia. This marks the first such agreement signed by SAU with an independent research think tank in Sri Lanka, underscoring the relevance of both institutions' regional focus.

The MOU seeks to cultivate regional consciousness and the concept of 'Southasianess' among the youth, facilitate joint research initiatives, and bolster capacity-building networks. It also aims to promote knowledge exchange and deepen regional engagement. At the virtual launch, SAU President Prof. K.K. Aggarwal emphasized the importance of this step in advancing SAU's ties with Sri Lanka, reaffirming its dedication to advancing the SAARC agenda and exploring educational institutions across the South Asian region.

RCSS Executive Director Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha highlighted the partnership's potential for joint research, knowledge sharing, policy dialogues, scholarly publications, conferences, and prospects for young scholars. Former SAARC Secretary-General Amb. Esala Weerakoon noted that the MOU signifies a pledge to knowledge, research, and dialogue as catalysts for regional understanding.

Prof. Amal Jayawardane, a Board Member at RCSS, underscored the institutions' capacity to serve as a robust platform for collaborative research and regional cooperation. The virtual ceremony was attended by senior officials from both SAU and RCSS, including Professors Kapil Sharma, Ritu Gaur, Ritu Gupta, Medha Bisht, and Shweta Singh, among others.