University of West London to open first UK Branch Campus in SL

For the first time in Sri Lanka, one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom — the University of West London (UWL) — has signed an agreement to open a branch campus in Colombo 3.

Marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, this will be the third international university to operate in the country, alongside two Australian institutions already established here.

The new branch campus, operated in partnership with ANC Education, extends UWL’s decade-long presence in Sri Lanka. Since 2013, the collaboration between UWL and ANC has enabled over 5,000 Sri Lankan students to earn UWL degrees in disciplines including Business, Law, and Psychology.

“The cost of degree programes offered through the UWL Branch Campus in Sri Lanka will be significantly lower than pursuing the same programes in the UK, thereby providing Sri Lankan students with greater financial viability,” said Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of West London.

“The establishment of our Branch Campus reflects our confidence in Sri Lanka and our commitment to delivering career-focused, high-quality degrees internationally. Having already seen over 5,000 Sri Lankan graduates succeed through our partnership with ANC Education, this campus will open even greater opportunities for the future.”

Dr. Jagath Alwis, Chairman of ANC Education, said: “The new branch campus gives students access to a globally recognised British degree and the experience of studying within a dedicated UWL environment here in Colombo.”

Dr. Punarjeeva Karunanayake, Executive Director of ANC Education, added that the establishment of the UWL branch will allow Sri Lankan students to complete their entire degree locally, resulting in around 40% cost savings, with payments made in Sri Lankan rupees.

“In addition, we hope to attract foreign students from the region as well as Africa, helping the country to earn valuable foreign exchange and move closer to its goal of becoming a regional education hub,” he said.

He further noted that ANC will invest approximately Rs. 500 million to refurbish and upgrade its facilities to support the new branch campus.

The launch ceremony was attended by Andrew Patrick, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, underscoring the significance of this initiative for both nations.