The alumni meet was attended by academicians, researchers and important stakeholders from government agencies. The event served as a catalyst for reviving and strengthening alumni networks and activities for professional growth and community development. With a focus on the management of international cooperation projects and alumni affairs, the participants engaged in enriching discussions and deliberations on interdisciplinary collaboration.

H.E. Dr. Felix Neumann, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka, officially opened the meeting by highlighting the significance of fostering partnerships through alumni engagement within Sri Lanka. Mr. Stefan Winkler, Director, Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka formally welcomed the dignitaries and alumni guests at the Goethe-Institut where the event took place.

The one-and-a-half day event encompassed a diverse array of activities, including discussions, group activities, and peer learning sessions involving alumni and the alumni association – German Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (GAASL). Brainstorming sessions focused on enhancing and cultivating alumni networks by exploring innovative ideas, formats, and strategies. Drawing from insights and experiences on Indo-German collaboration initiatives, the alumni workshop delved deeper into the topic of ‘Management and Administration of International Cooperation Projects’. The previous/ongoing projects supported by DAAD under various cooperation schemes were presented by the alumni to showcase good practice examples and its impactful outcomes in terms of capacity building, enhanced policy, and sustainability.

Introductions were made to various offers and funding schemes for DAAD alumni. A dedicated session on the Germany-alumni social networking platform – Alumniportal Deutschland was introduced with the aim to maximise the utilization of alumni services.

It was a fruitful endeavor which served as an excellent platform for fostering collaboration and synergy among the alumni of the German Academic Exchange Service and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation from diverse fields and disciplines.