Sri Lankan Students Shine at SAEC 2025 as Australia Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Festival of Australia in Colombo Highlights Education, Innovation, and Culinary Exchange

In a vibrant celebration of innovation and international collaboration, the recently held Festival of Australia in Colombo on 29 June 2025 placed a strong spotlight on the remarkable potential of Sri Lankan youth. Notably, students from Trinity College, Kandy, were declared winners of the Australian Government’s Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge (SAEC) 2025 Sri Lanka. Organised by Austrade, the event facilitated a rare opportunity for Sri Lankan students and parents to engage directly with Australian university representatives and also enabled them to explore study options while experiencing Australia’s premium food and beverage offerings.

In parallel, the final round of SAEC 2025 featured five Sri Lankan school teams presenting innovative solutions before a panel of expert judges. Designed for students in Grades 10 to 12, the competition incorporated virtual workshops and mentoring sessions led by Australian academics, guiding participants in formulating real-world solutions across Green Tech, Human-Centred AI, and Digital Transformation.

Moreover, the festival showcased a curated selection of Australian packaged foods in partnership with Sri Lankan importers, allowing attendees to savour dishes that celebrated the diversity of Australian cuisine. Complementing this, Austrade hosted the “Taste the Wonders of Australia” reception, which highlighted premium Australian meats, wines, and ingredients. Reflecting on the event, Mr Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner at Austrade, expressed his satisfaction in hosting the festival in Colombo, noting its dual role in promoting Australian education and introducing families to high-quality Australian products. He further underscored that the event exemplified Australia's commitment to excellence and its ambition to foster stronger ties with Sri Lanka through cultural exchange, innovation, and collaboration. The festival served as a dynamic platform for educational engagement and cross-cultural enrichment.

Editor’s Note

The Festival of Australia, held in Colombo on 29 June 2025, was more than just an event; it was a meaningful blend of education, innovation, and cultural exchange. It helped build real connections between people and highlighted the potential of young students who are ready to take on global challenges with creativity and teamwork. By giving Sri Lankan students and parents direct access to information about studying in Australia, the festival strengthened educational ties and encouraged dreams of learning abroad. Programs like the Study Australia Entrepreneurship Challenge (SAEC) gave students a chance to showcase their ideas in important areas like sustainability, human-focused AI, and digital technology for social good. The festival also celebrated Australian food and culture, helping people connect through shared tastes and experiences. It showed that strong international relationships grow not just through official agreements, but through events that inspire, educate, and bring people together. 

Skoobuzz observes that the Festival of Australia in Colombo smartly combined education and culture to strengthen Australia–Sri Lanka ties. Initiatives like SAEC empowered students while showcasing the power of global collaboration.