The celebration of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2025, organized by the University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on October 17, 2025, at the K2-003 Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

Hosted by the University of Kelaniya, this was the first-ever celebration of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Sri Lanka, held with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO.

Dr. B. D. Nandadeva, a member of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Evaluation Body of UNESCO and a retired professor of the University of Kelaniya, delivered the guest lecture at the event. Ms. Dhammika Wijesinghe, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and Senior Professor Prabhath Jayasinghe, Secretary General, Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, who graced the occasion as distinguished guests, also addressed the gathering.

In addition, research papers were presented by Senior Lecturer Ven. Udawela Rewatha Thero, Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, on “The Richness and Significance of the Intangible Fundamentals Found in Vāstuśāstra and Astrology”; Senior Professor Swarna Ihalagama, Head of the Department of Sinhala, on “Impact of Climate Change on Rush and Reed Weaving Heritage: The Case of the Cultural City of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka”; and Senior Lecturer Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, on “Heritage in Transition: The Future of Intangible Cultural Practices in Villages around Sigiriya.”

Key highlights of the event included the launch of the draft “University of Kelaniya Policy on Engagement in Safeguarding Sri Lanka’s Intangible Cultural Heritage”, and the screening of the documentary film “The Kandyan Dancer: Exploration of Masculinity,” directed by Senior Lecturer Dulanga Gunarathna of the Department of Fine Arts.

The event was also graced by the presence of Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Dr. C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Heads of Departments from the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities; academic staff members; and students of the university. 

The fourth season of the Polonnaruwa Archaeology, Anthropology, and Urban Landscape Project took place in Polonnaruwa from August 12 to September 7, 2025. This season's focus was on using archaeological and anthropological methodologies to better understand the Polonnaruwa Kingdom's urban landscape.

This collaborative effort was organized by the University of Kelaniya and La Trobe University in Australia in collaboration with Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology, the Central Cultural Fund, the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, and the University of Jaffna. Staff and students from the University of Kelaniya, La Trobe University, students from the University of Peradeniya, and research officers from the Government Department of Archaeology and the Central Cultural Fund also joined.

Key efforts included the excavation of four trenches (H, G, I, and J), LiDAR surveys, and auguring investigation, which provided valuable insights into the city's urban planning and evolution.   The artefacts discovered during the excavations of the four trenches included several local and foreign products, coin moulds, beads, iron nails and objects, slags, bangles, glass pieces, and a variety of stones. The LiDAR surveys encompassed the Polonnaruwa hinterland, including the tank top of the Parakrama Samudra, and provided vital insights into the larger urban and agricultural area.

The research project was headed by Chair Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Keir Strickland of La Trobe University in Australia. Senior Lecturer (Ms.) Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, along with Senior Lecturer (Mr.) Harendrala Namalgamuwa of the department, served as field directors. In addition, Mr. Bradly Young, Mr. Paul Penzo-Kajewski, Ms. Rebekah Kurpiel from LaTrobe University and Dr. William Christopher Carlton from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Germany served as project directors.

The Visual Management Committee of the University of Kelaniya successfully conducted a comprehensive drone survey on the 13th and 14th of October 2025, marking the first phase of the University’s mapping and visual management initiative.

The survey, which covered the main university premises (Dalugama), the Faculty of Medicine (Ragama), and the Faculty of Computing and Technology (Bulugaha Junction), was carried out using high-resolution aerial imagery and LiDAR technology. The data collected will be utilized to create detailed university spatial maps that support infrastructure planning, landscape management, and the development of the university.

This initiative was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Nishan Sakalasooriya, Chairman of the Visual Management Committee, with overall coordination by lecturer, Mr. Indunil Ranwella. The project received technological support from Sumathi Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (SIT) and the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, whose collaboration was instrumental in ensuring the success of drone operations and data processing. All necessary approvals for the operation were obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Defense, ensuring full compliance with national aviation regulations.

The Visual Management Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all academic and non-academic staff members who supported and cooperated during the survey sessions, enabling smooth and efficient drone operations across the university premises. This successful drone mapping marks an important milestone in integrating modern geospatial technologies into the University’s visual management and development strategies.

The Preksha Meditation Tour in Sri Lanka, organized by the Department of Philosophy in collaboration with Kalana Mithuru Sewana, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on October 2, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The program was graced by the presence of Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof. S. S. Weligamage, former Director of Kalana Mithuru Sewana; Dr. K. R. N. Harshani, Director of Kalana Mithuru Sewana; Dr. Manoji Harishchandra, Head of the Department of Philosophy; Dr Chamila Siriwardene, coordinator of the program and all respected heads of the departments, along with professors, doctors, lecturers, non-academic staff members, and number of students.

The highlight of the event was the meditation session conducted by three international trainers from Preksha International: Ms. Neelam Barmecha, Ms. Chetna Bapna, and Ms. Garima Hiran. The trainers guided participants through a one-hour session focused on relaxation, mindfulness, and self-awareness. The participants experienced techniques of breathing, concentration, and deep meditation, which fostered inner calm and mental clarity.

Meditation, as emphasized during the session, is not only a practice of calming the mind but also a path toward holistic well-being. It helps to reduce stress, improve focus, and nurture emotional balance, which are vital in today’s fast-paced and demanding lifestyles. The session highlighted meditation as a practice of inner calm and holistic well-being. It reduces stress, improves focus, and nurtures emotional balance, which are essential in today’s busy lives. The program inspired staff and students to embrace mindfulness in daily routines, marking an important step in fostering peace, compassion, and spiritual growth within the university community.