The Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, proudly hosted the launch of the book Samājīya Vidyā Paryēṣaṇa Lipi Sampādana Pravēśaya, authored by Ms Nadeeka Rathnabahu, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science.

The event was held on 27th February 2026 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

During the ceremony, the first copy was offered in remembrance of the author's late mother-in-law, Ms S. P. Nandawathi Rathnasiri. A thematic address was presented by Professor Pandula Siribaddana from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo. This was followed by a scholarly highlight from Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya. Special remarks were delivered by Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya, Department of Library and Information Science; Senior Professor Pathegama Gnanissara Thero, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka; and Dr C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian of the University of Kelaniya.

This book launch marks a significant academic contribution to the field of social sciences. It serves as a valuable resource for university academics, scholars, researchers, and students engaged in social science research and scholarly publishing. This is considered the first Sinhala book on social science research writing, mainly focusing on literature review, research ethics, and writing and publishing a paper in a social science scholarly journal. The book covers seven chapters. This book is expected to enhance research article-writing skills among social science researchers and to strengthen Sri Lanka's social science research culture.

The event was further attended by Dr Priyawanda Wanigasooriya, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, along with the academic staff members of the Department.

The public forum titled “Sociological Perspectives on Education Reform in Sri Lanka,” jointly organized by the Association of Sri Lankan Sociologists and the Department of Sociology of the University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on February 26, 2026, at the Boardroom of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The panel featured distinguished sociologists and education scholars including Professor Emeritus Siri Hettige from the University of Colombo, Senior Professor K. Karunathilake from the University of Kelaniya, and Senior Professor Marie Pererafrom the University of Colombo. Professor Anton Piyarathne from The Open University of Sri Lanka and Dr Bahirathi Rasanen from the University of Jaffna participated as guest speakers.

The discussion engaged deeply with several critical themes, including national identity and citizenship in education, the social impact of STEM reforms, modern literacies and civic values, public–private inequality in education, and inclusive pedagogy for diverse learners. These themes were examined from sociological perspectives, highlighting their implications for equity, social cohesion, and national development.

Academics, including professors, senior lecturers, and lecturers from the University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Jaffna, and the Open University of Sri Lanka took part in the forum.

The program underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive education reform agenda grounded in sociological insight and rational policy planning to advance Sri Lanka’s future development and social progress.

A workshop for schoolchildren, organized as part of “Sanjanani 2026: Communication and Public Relations Festival,” was successfully held on February 26, 2026, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The event was organized by the Department of Mass Communication.

Conducted under the theme “Media Education, Digital Literacy, and Disinformation,” the workshop aimed to enhance students’ understanding of contemporary media trends and their practical applications. Students and teachers from over 30 schools participated in the programme.

The workshop featured insightful lectures delivered by distinguished academics and media professionals. Mr Nalaka Gunawardena, Media Analyst and Researcher and a current member of the National Media Policy Committee, delivered the first lecture on “Social Media and Sri Lankan Society.” Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe of the Department of Mass Communication spoke on “Media Policies and Their Usage.” Additionally, Senior Lecturer Dr Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, conducted a session on “The Social Impact of Digital Media.”

The event was also attended by Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, along with academic staff members and students of the Department of Mass Communication.

The creative writing launching event “Paṅkaja” was held on February 26, 2026, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The event was organized by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, as part of “Sanjanani 2026: Communication and Public Relations Festival,” conducted under the theme “Media Education and Literacy: Toward a National Media Policy.”

The ceremony was held under the precedence of Senior Lecturer Tharindu Dhananjaya Weerasinghe of the Department of Human Resource Management and Senior Lecturer Sudesh Kawishwara of the Department of Sinhala.

Organized under the theme “Chatravantayingē Nirmāṇa Dvāra Pravēśaya”, “Paṅkaja” featured the launch of the poetry collection titled “‘Kavi Pihāṭu’ 21 Vāṭṭuva Hā Tavat Kavi.” The publication was prepared under the supervision of Ven. Professor Malwane Chandrarathana Thero and Senior Lecturer Sudesh Kawishwara from the Department of Sinhala. It was edited by Dr Manoj Jinadasa, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication, together with Senior Lecturer Saman Rajapaksha of the Department of Mass Communication.

The anthology comprises poems written by several students of the Department of Mass Communication, including emerging poets Kalaru Weerasinghe, Idusha Tennakoon, Namal Sajith, Upamali Hadagala, Chathurangi Deshani, Tiruni Imaya, Maleesha S. Amarasinghe, and Bhagya Kumarasinghe.

The event was attended by Dr Manoj Jinadasa, members of the academic staff, and students of the Department of Mass Communication.