Sir Arthur C Clarke

Learning
and Innovating

01
Arthur C Clarke promoted learning, research and innovation in Sri Lanka in his writing, public speaking as well as through his institutional involvements.

In 1979, President J R Jayewardene appointed him Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka’s technological campus focusing on engineering, architecture and information technology. He held this ceremonial position for 23 years, and resigned in 2002 due to health reasons.

Clarke was an engaged Chancellor who generously gave of his time, resources and contacts to develop the University. Working closely with several vice chancellors over the years, he encouraged teaching, research and extra-curricular activities, and sometimes looked into student welfare.

For several years, Clarke was also on the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NFIS), set up in 1981 to “stimulate the growth of knowledge by the enhancement of the country’s national scientific research capability”.

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We have to abandon the idea that schooling is something restricted to youth. How can it be, in a world where half the things a man knows at 20 are no longer true at 40 – and half the things he knows at 40 hadn’t been discovered when he was 20? ”

– Arthur C Clarke

We have to abandon the idea that schooling is something restricted to youth. How can it be, in a world where half the things a man knows at 20 are no longer true at 40 – and half the things he knows at 40 hadn’t been discovered when he was 20? ”

– Arthur C Clarke

Besides this, Clarke’s personal office in Colombo (now closed) regularly engaged researchers, teachers and inventors from Sri Lanka and overseas. To the extent possible, Clarke gave them advice, cautions and introductions to specific opportunities.

Chancellor Clarke with University of Moratuwa administrators and senior academics, circa 1985

Sri Lankans Remembering Arthur C Clarke