On the invitation of Professor William S. Sax, Head of the Department of Anthropology of the South Asia Institute of the University of Heidelberg, H.E the Ambassador Sarrath Kongahage visited the South Asia Institute of the University of Heidelberg on the 29th November 2012 accompanied by Consul General Mr. Pradeep Jayawardhane and the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Mr. Norbert H. Quack. They were received by the eminent Professors of the departments of Anthropology, History, Modern South Asian languages and Literature of the University. Heidelberg University is the 3rd oldest University in Europe, which celebrated its 625th anniversary in the year 2011.
H.E the Ambassador was briefed by the professors with regard to the research studies undertaken by the South Asia Institute in the Sri Lankan context. H.E the Ambassador added his suggestions with regard to the fields of education in Sri Lanka, where further research can be carried out.
During the interaction, the Rector of Heidelberg University, Prof .Bernhard Eitel, mentioned that the South Asia Institute of Heidelberg University gives prominence in carrying out research studies on Sri Lanka. He pledged that necessary funds would be provided for the furtherance of research studies. At this point of time, Prof. Sax suggested establishing summer and winter schools for both Sri Lankan and German researchers for the exchange study programme between Sri Lanka and Germany. The suggestion was well received by the Rector of the University, who requested the Ambassador to work together in this regard.
H.E the Ambassador further stated that in the event of celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations of Sri Lanka and Germany in 2013, the University in coordination with the Embassy could arrange a series of functions focusing on the cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany in the field of education and science. Impressed by the suggestion, the Rector of the University requested the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for Baden-Wuerttemberg to coordinate with the Baden Wuertemberg State of Germany for the celebration.
Ms. Eva Amboss, a postgraduate student of the Heidelberg University carrying out research on Kohomba Kankari – a Kandiyan traditional dance - presented the delegation with the recoded programme of the dance performed by a traditional dancing family from Kandy, which took place at the Independence Square in Colombo.