Sri Lankan-born Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been knighted by King Charles III at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (07).
Professor Canagarajah received the honour after being named in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours in recognition of his outstanding contribution to higher education, particularly his work promoting inclusion.
During the ceremony, King Charles formally conferred the knighthood by touching Professor Canagarajah’s shoulders with a ceremonial sword.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award from King Charles,” Professor Canagarajah said.
“It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible. That is why I remain committed to removing barriers for others so that they too can fulfil their true potential.”
Reflecting on his journey, he said it was remarkable to go from “a boy from the once war-torn land of Sri Lanka” to being recognised by the British monarch.
Professor Canagarajah became the first ethnic minority Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester and has led a range of initiatives to improve access to higher education, support disadvantaged students and promote diversity.
He has also championed international partnerships and served in several national higher education leadership roles in the United Kingdom. (Newswire)