The Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya successfully organized a three-day collaborative academic field study titled “Recent Trends of Agrarian Transformation in the Northern Province” from 1st to 3rd March 2026. The study was conducted as part of the undergraduate course unit “Agrarian Transformation.” The programme was jointly facilitated with the Department of Geography, University of Jaffna and the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), with the participation of 69 undergraduate students and academic staff members.

The field study provided students with valuable hands-on experience with contemporary agricultural practices, rural livelihoods, socio-economic challenges faced by farming communities and agrarian transformation in Northern Sri Lanka. Key activities included conducting Focus Group Discussions with farmers in Poosariarkulam, Vavuniya; demonstrating five-layer farming methods; attending an academic lecture on Agrarian Transformation in the Jaffna District at the University of Jaffna; and carrying out field observations in Achchuweli, where students examined various crop cultivation systems and the environmental factors influencing agricultural practices. A special highlight of the programme was a collaborative cultural night organized at the University of Jaffna, where students from both universities presented a range of cultural performances representing the diverse traditions of Northern and Southern Sri Lanka. The event created a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and strengthened the friendship and academic collaboration between the two universities. Students also visited several important cultural and geographical landmarks including Jaffna Fort, Jaffna Public Library, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Nilavarai Bottomless Well, and Point Pedro, enabling them to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world geographical observations.

The programme was attended by Professor Nishan Sakalasooriya, Head of the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya; Professor. N. Piratheeparajah, Head of the Department of Geography, University of Jaffna; Ms Maheshi and Mr Chaminda from the MONLAR organisation; academic staff members from both universities; and the subject lecturer and Field Visit Coordinator, Mr. Pasindu Jayathilake. The programme successfully strengthened inter-university collaboration, promoted experiential learning, and enhanced students’ understanding of agrarian transformation in post-conflict regions of Sri Lanka.