King Charles knighted the University of Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor, Sri Lankan-born Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, in an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (7 July).
Professor Canagarajah was recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion.
During the ceremony, the head of state followed tradition by touching the shoulders of the kneeling Professor Canagarajah with a sword, before formally conferring the honour.
Professor Canagarajah was born and educated in Sri Lanka, before moving to the UK where he received his BA (Hons) and PhD degrees from the University of Cambridge in 1989 and 1993.
Professor Canagarajah, who travelled to Berkshire with his wife Thabi, said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award from King Charles. It is a recognition of the efforts of so many others who have contributed to my success, including my dear friends and family and colleagues both past and present.
“I also hope it will serve as an inspiration for others. As a boy from the once war-torn land of Sri Lanka, to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. 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.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Canagarajah has shown an unwavering commitment to education as a force for improving lives and creating a fairer society. As the first minority ethnic Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, in the first plural city in the UK, he has used his influence to give voice to those who are so often overlooked and under-represented and has taken actions to overcome barriers and create opportunities for others.
He has led one of the most diverse universities in the country – 38% of students are from the most disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Professor Canagarajah established the first IntoUniversity centre in Leicester, securing significant philanthropic funding, and supporting 1,000 disadvantaged young people. He secured the University’s first female Chancellor – Dame Dr Maggie Aderin PhD – and created an inclusive team with two female Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
Professor Canagarajah established a Civic Universities Partnership, securing over £3m for local community projects and, as a leader of a University of Sanctuary, supported refugees and Ukrainian and Palestinian academics. His achievements are reflected in the fact that the University received three University of the Year accolades, achieving Teaching Excellence Framework Gold and top 30 in the Research Excellence Framework. He has taken on national roles to contribute to Higher Education, most recently in 2025 as Chair of UCEA. He is also the former Chair of The Conversation and a former member of the Universities UK board.
Professor Canagarajah has spearheaded efforts to ensure that the University benefits its locality and during his tenure, the University was granted Freedom of the Borough by Oadby and Wigston Council in recognition of its impact as well as a Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant for support of armed forces communities.
Along with his unwavering commitment to community, his has been a powerful voice for social change, enabled by national roles in tackling racial discrimination and increasing diversity.
Internationally, Professor Canagarajah has been a trailblazer for Leicester by championing new partnerships based on mutual benefits for partners as well as their localities. It led to Professor Canagarajah being invited to join the largest-ever government trade mission to India led by the Prime Minister. Partnerships have also been forged in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the USA and Canada. He has also overseen a new key partnership with the Apollo Hospitals Group in India.
Source: University of Leicester
