Five students from the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) in Sri Lanka were selected to participate in the Ural Federal University (UrFU) Summer University 2026, held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, from July 6 to 19. The fully funded programme hosted over 400 students from more than 100 countries, providing a platform for international academic collaboration and cultural exchange.
The Sri Lankan delegation, composed of Jayawardhana Liyanage Sankha Laknath, Sehasha Siriwardane, Saduka Athukorala, Kawishka Rathnayake, and Amila Wijesinghe, represented different faculties of NIBM in this two-week intensive programme. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the Federal State Budgetary Institution Sociocenter, aimed to foster innovation, academic learning, and cross-cultural understanding among talented young students worldwide.
Yekaterinburg, a major industrial and scientific hub in Russia, provided the backdrop for this event, organized by UrFU—one of Russia’s leading universities with over 50,000 students from 110 countries. The Summer University programme, now in its fourth edition since 2023, offers courses in engineering, natural sciences, humanities, economics, management, and computer science, allowing participating students to engage with advanced teaching methods and research environments.
Highlighting the achievements of the Sri Lankan contingent was Sankha Laknath’s distinction as one of the top 20 winners at HackAtom 2026, a competitive hackathon focused on innovation in the nuclear energy sector. The event attracted over 400 participants from 16 countries, challenging them to develop practical solutions for complex issues in nuclear power engineering. Sankha’s success underscored his technical ability and collaborative problem-solving skills and earned him recognition as a Best HackAtom Participant.
In addition to this accolade, Sankha secured a scholarship to attend the Obninsk Tech Winter School in Russia, further extending his exposure to cutting-edge scientific and technological studies. This opportunity will connect him with experts, academics, and peers engaged in advanced innovation and research.
The Summer University curriculum also covered emerging global topics, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and legal frameworks for nuclear technologies, aligning with current economic and technological trends. Participants benefited from a blend of academic lectures, cultural activities, and industry-focused events aimed at preparing them for evolving global challenges.
As representatives of NIBM and Sri Lanka, the five students engaged with peers from varied cultural and educational backgrounds, fostering international networks and gaining broader perspectives. Their participation underscores the growing presence of Sri Lankan talent in global academic and technological forums.
The experience not only enhanced the students’ professional and academic skills but also signified a step forward in positioning Sri Lankan youth on international stages, demonstrating their capacity to innovate and excel in competitive environments.