On February 14, 2024, the Faculty of Arts and Culture at the Southeastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL) was buzzing with excitement as the Department of Geography hosted an event aimed at fostering geographic skills and collaboration between the University of Kelaniya and SEUSL. This significant occasion brought together academics, students, and dignitaries from both institutions to explore new avenues of cooperation.

The event, organized by the Department of Geography at SEUSL, welcomed Prof. A. Rameez, Vice Chancellor of SEUSL, as the esteemed Chief Guest. Adding to the distinguished lineup were Prof. Lal Marvin Dharmasiri from the University of Kelaniya, Prof. MIM. Kaleel, Chief Organizer of the Collaboration at SEUSL, and Mr. K. Nijamir, Head of the Department of Geography at SEUSL. Also in attendance were Prof. Fazil, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Culture at SEUSL, and Prof. AG. Amarasingha from the department of Geography, university of Kelaniya.

The highlight of the event was a practical session on drone technology, aimed at enhancing students' practical skills in geographic data collection and analysis. Notably, 93 students and 07 academic staff members from the University of Kelaniya visited SEUSL for this purpose. This session provided a hands-on experience for attendees, allowing them to explore the potential applications of drones in various geographic research and fieldwork.

Beyond the practical session, the event served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange between senior and junior academics, as well as students, from both universities. It aimed to create opportunities for collaborative research projects, academic exchanges, and joint initiatives that would benefit both institutions and contribute to the advancement of geographic studies in Sri Lanka.

Overall, the Academic Partnership and Drone Practical Session marked a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration between the University of Kelaniya and SEUSL. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, the event aimed to empower students and academics to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation in geographic research and education. As attendees departed with newfound insights and connections, the event set the stage for future collaboration and mutual growth between the two universities.