reaffirm Australia’s help to SL

Assistant Minister Hill here to reaffirm Australia’s help to SL

Australia’s Assistant Minister Julian Hill

Assistant Minister Julian Hill is in Sri Lanka (from December 9-12) to reaffirm Australia’s support for Sri Lanka in responding to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, and to reinforce our wider partnership with Sri Lanka on transnational education, skills development, multilateral engagement and border security.

The visit comes as Sri Lanka recovers from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused significant loss of life and widespread flooding. Australia has committed $3.5 million in emergency assistance to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts.

Australia is a longstanding partner of Sri Lanka. As a neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Australia stands with Sri Lanka during natural disasters and in working together to build prosperity.

Australia and Sri Lanka’s partnership is built on strong people-to-people links across education, media, culture, science, sport, and health. The Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia enriches Australia’s multicultural society and economy.

The Australia – Sri Lanka education relationship is anchored by the thousands of Sri Lankan students who choose Australia as their home while completing Australian qualifications. Thousands more earn Australian credentials in Sri Lanka through transnational education partnerships and through Australian campuses in Colombo.

Assistant Minister Hill’s visit will strengthen institutional links in higher education and skills training, promote student mobility, and highlight the role of Australian institutions in shaping future-ready graduates.

The visit will also focus on integrity in international education and expanding opportunities for Sri Lankan students to access world-class education close to home.

Assistant Minister Hill’s visit will also re-enforce the longstanding, mutually beneficial relationships between our operational agencies, including through practical cooperation to combat maritime people smuggling in our region.

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