SLIIT Partners with Globally Renowned University of Queensland for Third Consecutive Year
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For the third consecutive year, the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) proudly partnered with the University of Queensland (UQ), ranked 42nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, to host the High School Challenge 2025: Design Solutions for Impact. Held at the vibrant SLIIT Malabe Campus, this prestigious event brought together young minds from across the country to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in addressing real-world challenges.
The 2025 edition of the challenge marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between SLIIT and UQ, reinforcing their shared commitment to fostering innovation and global academic partnerships. The event was graced by a distinguished panel of guests and academics from both institutions, adding prestige and depth to the proceedings.
Among the notable guests were Mr. Janardan Kewin, Regional Manager (South Asia), Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, University of Queensland; Dr. Shaun Chen, Lecturer and International Engagement Academic, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology, University of Queensland; Dr. Krishantha Wisenthige, Assistant Professor, SLIIT Business School; and Ms. Champika Sudusinghe, Director of HMK Plant Nursery (PVT) LTD. Senior staff and academics from SLIIT also played a key role in organising and supporting the event.
A Platform for Young Innovators
The High School Challenge 2025 was designed to inspire high school students to develop innovative solutions to pressing global and local issues. The theme, Design Solutions for Impact, encouraged participants to think beyond conventional boundaries and propose ideas that could make a tangible difference in their communities.
Over 30 schools, offering international and local curricula, participated in the preliminary sessions. These sessions were conducted online and led by academic experts from the University of Queensland, providing students with valuable insights into design thinking, sustainability, and innovation. The virtual format ensured accessibility and inclusivity, allowing students from across the island to engage with world-class educators.
The Grand Finale at SLIIT Malabe Campus
The final event, held on September 25th at the SLIIT Malabe Campus, brought together the top 10 finalist schools selected from the preliminary rounds. The schools included Trinity College, Kandy; Gateway College, Colombo; Rippon Girls’ School, Galle; Horizon International School, Malabe; Leeds International College, Matara; Telford International College, Galle; Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda; Wycherley International School, Dehiwala; Heejaz International School – Girls’ Section, Dehiwala and Lyceum International School, Nugegoda. Each team presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges, which included Dr. Shaun Chen, Dr. Krishantha Wisenthige, and Ms. Champika Sudusinghe. The judging criteria focused on creativity, feasibility, impact, and presentation skills.
The atmosphere was electric as students confidently pitched their ideas, ranging from sustainable urban farming solutions to tech-driven community health initiatives. The diversity of thought and the depth of research demonstrated by the students were truly commendable.
Celebrating Excellence
The awards ceremony, held in the evening, was a grand celebration of talent and collaboration. The event was attended by Prof. Lakshman Ratnayake, Chancellor of SLIIT; Prof. Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor of SLIIT; along with Mr. Janardan Kewin and Dr. Shaun Chen from the University of Queensland. Senior members of SLIIT’s management and academic staff were also present to honour the participants and winners.
The champions of the High School Challenge 2025 were Trinity College, Kandy, whose project, “Teatint – Tea-Based Printer Ink,” impressed the judges with its innovative and impactful solution. The team members, Rehan Anandakumar, Chantry Senhas Maggonage, and D.C.D. Jayasinghe were awarded three Apple iPads in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The first runners-up were Gateway College, Colombo, whose project, “Jacklyn – Organic Shield mask,” represented by Mayumi Liyanage, Hirunika Ladduwahetty, and Chirantha Senanayake. Their well-researched and practical solution earned them three Apple Air Pods.
The second runners-up were the team from Hejaaz International School – Girls’ Section, comprising Ayesha Yumna Imthiyas, Fathima Zamra Shihan, and Fathima Lashira Riyad. They received University of Queensland souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their creativity and eZort.
A Vision for the Future
The High School Challenge 2025 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of youth potential, international collaboration, and the power of education to drive change. The event highlighted the importance of nurturing young innovators and providing them with platforms to express their ideas and solutions.
This strong partnership between SLIIT and the University of Queensland (UQ) creates direct pathways for students to access world-class education. Through these pathways, SLIIT students have the opportunity to transfer to UQ after completing either one or two years of study at SLIIT, enabling them to pursue globally recognised degrees in Business, Engineering, and Computing. Further enhancing this opportunity, eligible transfer students benefit from a 25% Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship awarded by UQ, making world-class education more accessible.
SLIIT’s continued partnership with the University of Queensland reflects a shared vision of academic excellence, global engagement, and community impact. Through initiatives like this, both institutions are empowering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change makers.
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