Sri Lankan-born Professor Nishan Kanagarajah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been knighted by King Charles III. He was awarded the honorary title at a royal ceremony held at Windsor Castle recently. In accordance with British royal tradition, King Charles officially conferred the knighthood by placing a sword on Professor Kanagarajah’s shoulders.
Professor Kanagarajah was included in the 2026 King’s New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his exceptional and invaluable contribution to the field of higher education.
Born in Sri Lanka and educated in primary school, Professor Kanagarajah later moved to the United Kingdom, where he successfully completed his undergraduate degree in 1989 and his PhD in 1993 from the University of Cambridge.
Professor Kanagaraja told the media after receiving the knighthood:
“I am both proud and grateful to receive such a prestigious award from King Charles. Behind this achievement is the dedication of a large group of people, including my family, friends, and colleagues, past and present. This recognition is the result of the efforts of all of them.
I hope this journey will serve as an example to many others. As a boy growing up in a war-torn Sri Lanka, to receive such a royal recognition today is a truly special milestone. The foundation of all this was the transformative power of education and the opportunities it opens up.”