2023

University of Kelaniya 

University of Kelaniya 

University of Kelaniya 

University of Kelaniya Hosts Senate Awards Ceremony to Recognize Outstanding Researchers 

The University of Kelaniya held a Senate Awards ceremony on the 25th of January 2023, where researchers whose work had been published in internationally recognized journals were honored with Senate Awards and cash prizes. This event served to acknowledge and reward academic contributions that uphold the university’s research standards and global presence.

The awards were presented by Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University, in the presence of Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, and Senate members. Among the award recipients from the Faculty of Medicine were Dr. G. P. S. Gunaratna (Department of Parasitology) and Dr. R. M. S. Lanka Ranaweera (Department of Anatomy). Honored researchers from the Faculty of Science included Senior Prof. Prabath Hewageegane and Dr. F. S. B. Kafi (Department of Physics and Electronics), Prof. G. A. S. M. Ganehiarachchi, Ms. Gunasekara Mihiri Indunil, and Mr. R. A. Kasun Madhuwantha Gunathilaka (Department of Zoology and Environmental Management), Prof. D. S. M. De Silva (Department of Chemistry), and Dr. W. A. C. Weerakoon (Department of Statistics and Computer Science).

University of Kelaniya Signs MoU with the ACCA, Sri Lanka 

The University of Kelaniya and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Sri Lanka, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the 24th of January 2023, aimed at offering a prestigious “Gold Medal” to the top-performing student in the Dissertation course unit of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree programme. This collaboration aims to recognize outstanding academic achievements and further strengthen industry ties with the MBA programme.

The MBA programme, which has been a key player in management education in Sri Lanka since 2005, has continually developed through such industry partnerships. The gold medal will be awarded to the student with the highest marks in the Dissertation course unit. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, along with other distinguished guests, including Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar, Dr. Ruwani Fernando, MBA Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Nilusha Ranasinghe, Head of South Asia - ACCA, and Ms. Dilani Perera, Business Relationship Manager - ACCA, Sri Lanka.

University of Kelaniya Hosts Certificate Award Ceremony for Three Diploma Programmes 

The University of Kelaniya hosted the Certificate Award Ceremony for students who successfully completed three diploma programmes offered by the Department of Mass Communication. The event, held on the 22nd of January 2023 at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, recognized the achievements of graduates from the Diploma in Mass Communication, Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, and Higher Diploma in Public Relations.

A total of one hundred students were awarded certificates, providing them with enhanced career opportunities in their respective fields. Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. The keynote address was delivered by renowned Sri Lankan vocalist Santhush Weeraman. Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, along with course coordinators and academic staff members, also participated in the event, which celebrated the accomplishments of the graduates.

University of Kelaniya Inaugurates the 5th Batch of the Diploma in Buddhist Psychology and Counselling 

The University of Kelaniya inaugurated the 5th batch of the Diploma in Buddhist Psychology and Counselling (2023) on the 22nd of January 2023 at the Boardroom of the Faculty of Humanities. The event, conducted by the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, marked the beginning of a new academic year for students pursuing this specialized course.

Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Senior Lecturer Mr. Tharidu Weerasinghe from the Department of Human Resource Management delivered the keynote speech, while Senior Prof. Uditha Garusingha, from the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, presented a special lecture. The introductory speech was delivered by Emeritus Senior Prof. Mr. Sumanapala Galmangoda, on the invitation of the course coordinator, Senior Lecturer Dr. Gamini Wijayasinghe. The event was attended by Senior Prof. Ven. Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero, Head of the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, Professor Ven. Naotunne Wimalagnana Thero, academic staff of the department, and visiting lecturers of the course.

University of Kelaniya Hosts Book Launching Ceremony and Academic Discussion on Archaeology 

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya held a book launching ceremony on the 19th of January 2023 to launch three academically significant books written by Senior Prof. Dr. Prishanta Gunawardhana. The books are Low Density Urbanism: Archaeology, Transformation and Collapse of Ancient Cities in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Monastic Archaeology - New Edition (Sinhala), and Archaeology, Architectural Heritage, and Socio-economic Development in Sri Lanka - New Edition (Sinhala). The event was held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium.

Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Emeritus Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe, and Dr. Sirinimal Lakdusinghe delivered the main speeches at the event. The launch was attended by members of the academic staff from the University and the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, as well as students from the Archaeology and Tourism and Cultural Resource Management degree programs.

University of Kelaniya Hosts Awareness Programme on Safe Migration 

An Awareness Programme on Safe Migration was conducted on the 17th of January 2023 at the Career Guidance Unit Auditorium of the University of Kelaniya. The workshop was organized by the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The primary objective of the programme was to raise awareness about the importance of safe migration among university undergraduates.

The event saw the participation of forty registered undergraduates who were provided with refreshments, t-shirts, and other informational materials related to safe migration. The IOM also conducted a Quiz Competition at the end of the session, where the winners were awarded prizes, further engaging students in the topic.

University of Kelaniya Hosts Inaugural Ceremony of the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies 

The Inaugural Ceremony of the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies was held on the 14th of January 2023 at the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies. This degree program, offered by the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, aims to provide students with a comprehensive academic foundation in Buddhist studies. The ceremony introduced newly enrolled students to the course units and the academic staff.

Senior Prof. Kapila Seneviratne, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Senior Lecturer Dr. Sudath Senerath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Senior Professor Makuruppe Dhammananda Thera, Head of the Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, Chair Professor Nabirittankadawara Gnanarathana Thero, and Senior Professor Uditha Garusingha were present at the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Don de Silva, while course coordinators Rev. Valasmulle Bhaddia Thero and Lecturer Sriani Hemalatha delivered the welcome and thanksgiving speeches.

University of Kelaniya Hosts 25th Cycle of the Induction Programme for Probationary Lecturers 

The 25th cycle of the induction program for probationary lecturers, organized by the Staff Development Centre at the University of Kelaniya, commenced on the 13th of January 2023. Nearly 50 probationary lecturers from several institutions, including the University of Kelaniya, University of Moratuwa, National Institute of Social Development, University of Vocational Technology, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, are taking part in this important program.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Senior Lecturer Dr. Pavithra Godamunne, the Director of the Staff Development Centre, also participated and introduced the program to the participants. This program, which has been conducted since 1998, is one of the leading staff development initiatives in Sri Lanka and was the first to achieve ISO 9001-2015 Standard Certification.

University of Kelaniya Women's Team Secures Runner-up at Vice Chancellor Challenge Trophy 2023 

The University of Kelaniya women’s badminton team claimed the Runner-up position in the Open Women’s category at the Vice Chancellor Challenge Trophy 2023, an Invitational Universities Staff Badminton Championship organized by the Recreational and Welfare Society of the University of Colombo. Held on the 13th and 14th of January 2023, the event featured four competitive categories: Open Men, Open Women, Over 40 Men, and Over 40 Women.

The winning team members from the University of Kelaniya included Dr. R. M. S. Lanka Ranaweera from the Department of Anatomy, Dr. Sulochani Ramanayaka from the Department of Social Statistics, Senior Lecturer Ms. Anoma Rathnayaka from the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Ms. Nayomi Raymand from the Molecular Medicine Unit, and Ms. M. I. P. Kumari from the Department of Physical Education. In addition, Dr. Sulochani Ramanayaka also secured 1st place in the Over 40 individual women’s category, showcasing exceptional performance and skill.

University of Kelaniya Signs Two MoUs with National Enterprise Development Authority 

The Central Business Incubator (CBI) of the University of Kelaniya signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) on January 12, 2023. This collaboration aims to foster entrepreneurial opportunities for university students, providing internships and promoting their participation in NEDA's “Upadidari Vyawasayaka Udanaya” competition. Additionally, the partnership will assist in developing an MSME database and provide mentoring services through the SMEConnect platform.

The MoUs seek to strengthen the relationship between CBI, a key driver of entrepreneurial initiatives at the university, and NEDA, the governing body for Sri Lanka’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. The partnership will enhance the SME landscape in Sri Lanka by creating platforms for training, guidance, and the efficient storage of MSME data.

The MoUs were signed by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Mr. Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman/Director General of NEDA. The signing ceremony was attended by various university officials and NEDA representatives, including Dr. Narada Fernando, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, and Dr. Pubuduni Jeewandarage, Director of CBI.

University of Kelaniya Opens New Information Lounge for Emeritus Professors 

The University of Kelaniya inaugurated the "Information Lounge for Emeritus Professors" on January 11, 2023, within the main library. This new facility is designed to provide Emeritus Professors with access to cutting-edge research and information resources, reflecting the university's appreciation for their contributions to academic life. The lounge offers a comfortable and well-equipped space for professors to continue their research, teaching, and scholarly activities.

This initiative underscores the university's commitment to supporting the ongoing engagement of Emeritus Professors in the academic community, allowing them to continue influencing the teaching and research landscape at the University of Kelaniya.

Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University, presided over the event, joined by academic staff and Emeritus Professors, who commended the university for this thoughtful addition to its facilities.

University of Kelaniya Opens Sri Lanka's First University Library Bookshop 

The University of Kelaniya marked a significant milestone with the opening of the first-ever bookshop within a university library in Sri Lanka on 11th January, 2023. This unique addition, located within the Main Library, was inaugurated by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University. The bookshop will display and sell books and other publications authored by the university’s academic staff, including retired faculty members.

This initiative provides a dedicated platform for university scholars to share their research and publications with a broader audience, enhancing accessibility to academic resources. Additionally, it showcases the university’s research and publication achievements. Proceeds from book sales will support ongoing enhancements to library services, benefiting the entire university community.

The establishment of the library bookshop is expected to foster a greater academic presence within and beyond the university, reinforcing the University of Kelaniya’s commitment to research and knowledge dissemination.

University of Kelaniya Commemorates World Braille Day with Exhibition on Assistive Technology 

The University of Kelaniya marked World Braille Day with an enlightening exhibition organized by its Main Library on 11th January, 2023. The event was designed to celebrate the history of Braille, honor its inventor, Louis Braille, and promote awareness about the latest advancements in assistive technology for the visually impaired. Open to the university community, the exhibition highlighted the significance of Braille in enhancing accessibility, literacy, and independence for those with visual impairments.

The exhibition featured interactive displays, a collection of Braille books, and hands-on demonstrations of assistive technologies like Braille printers and embossers. University students with visual impairments conducted a practical session on Braille usage, while the interactive media librarian presented the library's Braille collection, audiobook project, and additional resources for visually impaired students. The event also included a guest lecture and workshop on the impact of Braille and assistive technology in promoting inclusivity and overcoming challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University, attended as the chief guest. Prof. Janaki Hewavisenthi, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Mr. Ashoka Weerawardhane, Chairman of the DAISY Lanka Foundation; Ms. Manique Gunaratne, Manager of the Specialized Training and Disability Resource Center; Dr. Shyamani Hettiarachchi, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Disability Studies; Ms. Vasantha Padmini, Writer, along with academic and non-academic staff, and students were also present to support the event.

University of Kelaniya Recognizes Excellence at the Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony 2023 

The University of Kelaniya celebrated the dedication and achievements of its academic and non-academic staff members at the Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony held on 2nd January, 2023 at the Dharmaloka Hall. Established as an annual event since 2007, the ceremony honors university employees for their service, accomplishments, and contributions throughout the previous year.

This year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Awards recognized numerous faculty members for excellence in research, innovation, and academic contributions. Awardees included Prof. I. K. Jayasekara (Department of Western Classical Culture), Prof. K. Karunathilaka (Department of Sociology), and Prof. P. A. D. H. N. Gunathilaka (Department of Parasitology), among others. Prof. Gunathilaka also received recognition as the Outstanding Young Researcher in the Faculty of Medicine, alongside Dr. J. M. R. Fernando (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies) and Dr. R. A. T. P. Rupasinghe (Faculty of Computing and Technology). Various merit awards acknowledged researchers for their pioneering contributions in their respective fields.

Notable distinctions were given to Prof. P. A. Paranagama and Prof. G. A. S. M. Ganehiarachchi for their publications in indexed journals. The Faculty of Science was recognized as the faculty with the highest number of research presentations, with Prof. S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, accepting the award on behalf of the faculty.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor, presided over the ceremony, presenting awards and certificates. The event was attended by Deans, Heads of Departments, and other distinguished members of the University of Kelaniya, celebrating the dedication and achievements of the university community.

University of Kelaniya Hosts Inauguration Ceremony for Master of Business Studies 2023 

The University of Kelaniya marked the start of the third intake for its Master of Business Studies (MBS) program with an inauguration ceremony on 1st January, 2023 at the A. T. H. Sunil Shantha Memorial Auditorium within the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies. Organized by the Department of Commerce and Financial Management, this event aimed to formally welcome new students and introduce them to life at the University of Kelaniya.

Ms. Thrimuthi Danushka, Group Manager – Human Resource at Ideal Group and an alumna of the first MBS batch, delivered a welcoming speech for the incoming students. Dr. Narada Fernando, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, served as the Chief Guest, with Senior Prof. N. A. K. P. J. Seneviratne, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, as Guest of Honor. Also present were Dr. M. M. M. Shamil, Head of the Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Dr. Erandi Abeywardana, MBS Program Coordinator, other academic staff, and the new students.