Professor Nishan Canagarajah, a Sri Lankan-born academic and the current President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his outstanding contribution to higher education and leadership in advancing inclusion.

Born and educated in Sri Lanka, Professor Canagarajah pursued his higher education in the UK, earning his BA and PhD from the University of Cambridge. His academic career spans three decades, including senior roles at the University of Bristol before becoming Vice-Chancellor at Leicester in 2019.

Recognised for championing access, equality and opportunity, he leads one of the UK’s most diverse universities — with 38% of students from disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds. Under his leadership, the university established its first IntoUniversity centre, brought in its first female and minority Chancellor, and supported global partnerships and community-focused initiatives, including refugee support.

Reflecting on the honour, Professor Canagarajah said, “As a boy from a once war-torn land 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.”