On 5 March 2024, the Development Studies Student's Society of the department of Geography organized a guest lecture on Social Impact Assessment (SIA) at K013 hall - Faculty of Social Sciences. The event featured Senior Professor K. Karunathilaka, an esteemed expert in the field, as the guest speaker. The lecture aimed to educate students and staff from the Department of Geography on the significance of SIAs in development projects. Throughout the session, Professor Karunathilaka discussed the fundamentals of SIAs, including stakeholder engagement, baseline data collection, and methods to assess the potential social risks associated with development initiatives. The lecture was well-attended, with a mix of Geography, Development Studies students and academic staff members.

During the lecture, Professor Karunathilaka shared real-world examples of SIAs and engaged the audience with interactive discussions. Participants posed questions about the practical applications of SIAs, community involvement, and strategies to address potential adverse impacts on local communities. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound interest in the topic. The Development Studies Student's Society indicated plans to host additional events on related subjects to foster ongoing learning and discussion among students and faculty. Overall, the guest lecture was considered a successful and informative event, contributing to the academic and professional growth of attendees.