Official Launching of the Book Titled "Amara Samarcaṇā: J.A. Amaraweera Commemoration Volume"

The book titled "Amara Samarcaṇā: J.A. Amaraweera Commemoration Volume," a tribute to the life and contributions of J.A. Amaraweera, a leading professional in the field of Library and Information Science in Sri Lanka, was officially launched by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, on the 6th of November 2024, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences. 

This Commemoration Volume consisted of articles devoted to vivid areas of librarianship compiled by scholars and professionals.

Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Professor Most Venerable Neluwe Sumanawansha Thero, Vice Chancellor of the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University, and Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences were the Guests of Honor of the event. 

Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya of the Department of Library and Information Science delivered the keynote address, reflecting on Mr. Amaraweera’s immense contributions to the field and his enduring legacy. Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, officially opened the ceremony with a welcome speech. Professor Weerasinghe highlighted Mr. Amaraweera’s significant role as a visiting lecturer and mentor to countless students, shaping the development of Library and Information Science at the University of Kelaniya and beyond. 

A key highlight of the event was the expression of appreciation with thanks by Venerable Bopeththe Somananda Thero, Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science, as the Chief Editor of the commemoration volume. In his remarks, Venerable Somananda Thero acknowledged the collective effort that contributed to producing the commemoration volume, serving both a tribute to Mr. Amaraweera’s contributions and as a valuable resourceful work for reading. He also expressed gratitude to the family of Mr. Amaraweera, particularly his wife and daughter-in-law, who took part in the ceremony. 

The event also brought together heads of departments, academic staff from both the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, authors, professionals, and practitioners in the field of Library and Information Science in Sri Lanka. Many of the academic staff members and the students of the Department of Library and Information Science who attended were the disciples of Mr. Amaraweera.