The University of Swat and Sri Lanka’s Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic cooperation, promote research on the Gandhara civilization and facilitate student and faculty exchanges.
The agreement also aims to encourage joint research initiatives, with particular emphasis on the Buddhist archaeological heritage of Swat Valley.
The MoU was signed through the University of Swat’s Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) by Registrar Dr. Arshad Ali Khan and Prof. P. D. Mandawala on behalf of NIIBS. Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne and University of Swat Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Husnul Amin attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Husnul Amin emphasized the importance of sustained, multidisciplinary cooperation between the two institutions. He welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation and thanked the High Commissioner and NIIBS for choosing the University of Swat as a partner.
Describing Swat as a region of exceptional natural beauty and historical importance, the Vice Chancellor called it the “Switzerland of the East” and highlighted its role as a centre of the Gandhara civilization, which connected South Asia with Central Asia through knowledge, spirituality and art.
He stressed that the MoU should lead to long-term institutional cooperation rather than remain a symbolic agreement. He proposed regular student and faculty exchanges, joint archaeological excavations, co-supervised research projects and international academic conferences.
Prof. Amin also called for expanding collaboration beyond archaeology and Buddhist studies to areas such as environmental sciences, biodiversity conservation, cultural tourism and sustainable development. He noted that climate change, environmental degradation and unsustainable tourism pose growing risks to ancient civilizations and heritage sites.
The Vice Chancellor assured the visiting delegation of the university’s full administrative and academic support, expressing hope that the partnership would create new opportunities for education, research and cultural diplomacy between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne appreciated the university’s hospitality and said joint efforts were important for creating a peaceful and welcoming environment for researchers, tourists and citizens of both countries.
Earlier, Registrar Dr. Arshad Ali Khan briefed the delegation on the historical and archaeological importance of Swat Valley, historically known as Uddiyana. He described the region as one of the world’s most sacred areas of Buddhist heritage.
He said Swat is home to hundreds of Buddhist archaeological sites, including Butkara-I, Saidu Sharif Stupa, Jahanabad Buddha, Ghalegay, Barikot and Nemogram. These sites, he noted, reflect the legacy of the Gandhara civilization, which flourished in the region for more than a thousand years.
Dr. Khan added that the sites are not merely archaeological remains but also evidence of religious tolerance, cultural dialogue and artistic excellence. He said the valley’s monasteries, stupas and rock carvings hold considerable cultural and religious significance for Buddhist scholars and followers in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, offering a strong basis for joint research.
The ceremony was also attended by Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner Christy Ruban, ORIC Director, Treasurer Prof. Dr. Anwar Hussain, renowned artist Mahboob-ur-Rahman, Jamal Shah and university faculty members.
The event concluded with the exchange of traditional souvenirs, including Pakol caps, shawls and wood-carved gifts. The delegation later visited the Museum of the Department of Archaeology, where Dr. Zarawar Khan briefed them on the region’s heritage.
The visitors also planted trees outside Academic Block-B, symbolizing the growing friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.