Sri Lanka’s First Lady, the First with a PhD, Honored as Honorary Professor at University of Wolverhampton

S. Adam, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Lord Swraj Paul

Sri Lanka’s First Lady, Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe — the first First Lady in the nation’s history to hold a PhD — has been honored with an Honorary Professorship by the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom. The recognition was awarded during a special ceremony marking the 25th Anniversary of Lord Swraj Paul’s Chancellorship of the university.

Prof. Wickramasinghe, a Professor of English at the University of Kelaniya and a PhD graduate from the University of London’s Institute of Education, has built an international reputation as a scholar and researcher in gender studies, literature, and higher education. Her honorary appointment celebrates not only her personal achievements but also elevates Sri Lanka’s standing in global academia.

Image Source: Lord Swraj Paul

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who accompanied her on the invitation of the university, met with the Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor, and senior officials to discuss academic cooperation, student exchanges, and research partnerships between Sri Lanka and the UK.

Image Source: Lord Swraj Paul

This milestone is significant beyond a single honor. It demonstrates Sri Lanka’s growing recognition in international education circles, enhancing the country’s soft power diplomacy. By conferring the title on the First Lady, the University of Wolverhampton has strengthened Sri Lanka’s visibility in global academic networks, creating opportunities for collaboration, cultural engagement, and diaspora connections.

Prof. Wickramasinghe is now the first Sri Lankan First Lady with a PhD and the first to be honored as an Honorary Professor — a dual distinction that reflects both her individual excellence and the intellectual potential of Sri Lanka on the world stage.ide.