The University of West London (UWL) has officially opened the University of West London Sri Lanka Branch Campus, marking a landmark achievement as Sri Lanka’s first full UK university branch campus and a significant milestone in the country’s higher education sector.
The new campus aims to bring a UK university learning experience closer to Sri Lankan students, offering access to internationally recognised degrees while allowing students to pursue their studies closer to home.
Operated by ANC Campus, a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector with more than two decades of experience delivering internationally recognised education, the UWL Sri Lanka Branch Campus will provide academic programmes aligned with the standards, quality assurance processes and academic oversight of the University of West London.
Students will have access to UWL-approved programmes, academic support services, learning resources and a modern campus environment designed to encourage academic excellence, confidence and career readiness.
Commenting on the opening, Professor Peter John CBE, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of West London, said the launch represents a new stage in the partnership with ANC Sri Lanka, moving from collaboration to a permanent presence in the country.
He highlighted that the branch campus reflects UWL’s long-term commitment to expanding access to high-quality university education and creating new opportunities for students in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Jagath Alwis, Chairman of CEG Holdings and ANC Campus, noted that one of the key advantages for students and parents is the financial benefit of obtaining a UK university degree locally. By studying in Sri Lanka, students can significantly reduce costs associated with overseas education, including accommodation, living expenses, travel, visa-related charges and relocation expenses.
At its launch, the UWL Sri Lanka Branch Campus will offer programmes in Business, IT, Law, AI, Psychology and Early Childhood Education, subject to applicants meeting University of West London entry requirements.
The establishment of the branch campus represents a major step in strengthening international education opportunities in Sri Lanka, providing students with access to globally recognised qualifications and a pathway towards future career success.
Marlbo Trading Introduces Holmatro Rescue Solutions to Strengthen Emergency Response Capabilities
Marlbo Trading Company has introduced Holmatro Rescue, a globally recognised leader in rescue equipment and emergency response solutions from the Netherlands, to enhance emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities in Sri Lanka.
The company has also been appointed as the official agent in Sri Lanka for Holmatro Rescue solutions, bringing advanced rescue technology to local emergency response teams and institutions.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Chairman of Marlbo Trading Company, M. Maniyamuthu, noted that Sri Lanka continues to experience a growing number of road accidents, industrial incidents, fire emergencies, structural collapses and natural disasters, creating an urgent need for faster and more effective rescue operations.
He emphasised that delays in extracting injured persons from accident sites can have serious consequences, and that modern, reliable rescue equipment is essential for emergency teams to operate safely and efficiently.
As part of the initiative, Marlbo Trading is introducing portable, battery-powered Holmatro rescue equipment designed to allow single-person operation, enabling responders to act quickly in critical situations.
With more than 50 years of experience, Holmatro is a leading European manufacturer of rescue solutions used by fire and rescue services, emergency response units, military organisations, airports, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams across more than 100 countries.
The advanced solutions are designed to help responders gain faster access, improve operational efficiency and support life-saving efforts in challenging environments.
Maniyamuthu stated that the initiative is also being promoted as a CSR effort aimed at strengthening disaster response capabilities, with discussions underway to expand access through government institutions and rural deployment.
While some fire brigades, Colombo Airport and selected organisations already use similar rescue technology, Marlbo Trading highlighted the need for wider adoption among highway authorities, disaster management centres, transport hubs and other critical institutions.
“As emergency incidents become increasingly complex, the need for advanced rescue equipment and modern rescue techniques is more critical than ever. Through our partnership with Holmatro Rescue, we aim to support Sri Lanka’s emergency response community by introducing globally trusted solutions that can help save lives, reduce rescue times, and improve responder safety,” said Anil Nangia, Head of Sales & Marketing, Holmatro Rescue Equipment, Netherlands.
Through this partnership, Marlbo Trading aims to contribute towards building a stronger, faster and more effective emergency response ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
University of West London Opens Sri Lanka’s First Full UK University Branch Campus
