A curriculum review discussion for the Diploma and Higher Diploma in Correction and Rehabilitation, organized by the Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on 5 May 2026 at the Faculty of Social Sciences premises at the University. The discussion brought together key stakeholders representing the corrections, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and child protection sectors in Sri Lanka.

The meeting was attended by Dr Dilushi Munasinghe, Attorney-at-Law; Mr Roshan Gunawardhana, Assistant Director, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board; SSP Nishantha Chandrasekara, Police Special unit, Sri Lanka Police; SP Sumudu Perera, Sri Lanka Prison Department; Ms Inoka Wijesinghe, Probation Officer, Department of Probation and Child Care Services; and Ms Sanjeewani Senevirathna from Department of Community Correction. 

The discussion focused on reviewing and strengthening the academic and professional structure of the Diploma and Higher Diploma programmes in Correction and Rehabilitation. Initially, the programme was designed mainly for prison officers. However, during the discussion, most stakeholders emphasized the importance of expanding the programme to include officers from broader law enforcement and related agencies.  The programme review discussion was coordinated by Prof. Sarath Vitharana, Head of the Department of Sociology; Prof. Anusha Edirisinghe; and Senior Lecturer Mr Sudeera Jayaweera.

Professor Chandima Bogahawatta officially assumed duties as the Head of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, on 7th May 2026 at the Department of Archaeology premises. 

Prof. Bogahawatta is a distinguished archaeologist, heritage management professional, and scholar with more than two decades of experience in academia, archaeological research, cultural heritage management, and university administration. He currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya and previously served as the Additional Director General of the Central Cultural Fund of Sri Lanka.

He obtained his PhD in Archaeology and Museology from Shandong University in 2011. His doctoral research critically examined the ancient economic relationships between China and Sri Lanka based on Sri Lankan archaeological artefacts, reflecting his long-standing scholarly interest in Sino–Sri Lankan historical and maritime connections. He also holds an M.Sc. in Archaeology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology from the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya, as well as a B.A. (Hons) in Archaeology from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Prof. Bogahawatta’s research expertise spans several important fields, including Epigraphy, Numismatics, Silk Route studies, Brahmi inscriptions, Digital Paleography, Cultural Heritage Tourism, and Archaeological Impact Assessments. His academic work has significantly contributed to understanding Sri Lanka’s cultural and economic links with the wider Asian region.

Throughout his academic career, he has held several senior appointments, including Professor and Senior Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, Senior Lecturer at Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University, and Acting Head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya in 2019. He also served as Head of the Department of Social Science and Comparative Studies at Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University from 2011 to 2014. In addition, he has contributed to university administration as Faculty Research Manager of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Coordinator of the Research Centre for Social Sciences, and as a member of several academic boards and university governing bodies.

In the field of national heritage management, Prof. Bogahawatta played a major role through the Central Cultural Fund, where he supervised and contributed to numerous conservation and archaeological projects of national importance. He served as Project Director for Archaeological Impact Assessments for major development initiatives, including the Kalugal Oya Reservoir Development Project and the Gin Nilwala Diversion Project, and contributed to the Kumbukkan Oya and Upper Elahera reservoir projects.

An accomplished researcher and author, Prof. Bogahawatta has published scholarly articles and books on archaeology, cultural heritage, and historical studies. His publications include studies on ancient Chinese coins in Sri Lanka, iconographic traditions of Ganesha figures, and archaeological perspectives on cultural practices and artistic traditions. He has also contributed chapters to internationally published volumes on maritime cultural heritage and archaeology.

Prof. Bogahawatta maintains an active international academic profile through his affiliations with several professional organizations. He is a Fellow of the Sri Lanka Council of Archaeologists and a member of the European Association of Archaeologists, International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the International Confucius Association, and the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka.

Beyond research and administration, he has also provided leadership to international academic conferences as a session chair, organizing committee member, and Chief Editor of the Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS 2018) held at the University of Kelaniya.

Fluent in Sinhala and English, and proficient in Chinese, Prof. Bogahawatta continues to actively contribute to archaeological scholarship, international collaboration, heritage conservation, and cultural tourism in Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by Professor Chaminda Abesinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

A special discussion regarding an upcoming Fulbright Specialist visit to the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, was held on 24 April 2026 at the Vice- Chancellor’s Office of the University, 

The meeting was attended by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Dr Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the United States–Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission; Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe; Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya; and Dr Priyanwada Wanigasooriya, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science.

The discussion focused on the planned visit of Dr Lara Szypszak from the Library of Congress under the Fulbright Specialist Program. Dr Lara Szypszak is expected to visit the Department of Library and Information Science for a one-month project aimed at strengthening the role of libraries in Sri Lanka.

This collaboration is expected to further strengthen international academic partnerships and highlight the important role of libraries in social development, civic engagement, and democratic transformation in Sri Lanka.

Professor R. A. Seetha P. Bandara officially assumed duties as the Head of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, on 6^th April 2026 at the Department premises. Effective from 25th March 2026, this well-deserved appointment reflects her distinguished academic career, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to higher education and research.

Professor Bandara is a respected scholar in the field of economics, with extensive expertise in poverty, migration, trade liberalization, and economic modeling. A proud alumna of the University of Kelaniya, she graduated with First Class Honours in Economics and went on to achieve numerous academic milestones, including postgraduate qualifications in Social Statistics and Economics, an MA in International Relations from Waseda University, Japan, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to intellectual excellence and global academic engagement.

Throughout her career, Professor Bandara has played a vital role in academic leadership and institutional development. She has served as Coordinator of the MA/MSSc Economics Program, Deputy Director of Training at the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education, and contributed significantly to curriculum development within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her research contributions, particularly in poverty analysis, labour migration, and economic policy have enriched both academic scholarship and policy discourse in Sri Lanka.

Beyond the university, she has provided national-level leadership through her service as Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Foundation and as a Board Member of several key institutions, including the National Education Commission, Consumer Affairs Authority, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, and the National Institute of Labour Studies. These roles reflect her broader commitment to national development and evidence-based policymaking.

Professor Bandara’s assumption of duties as Head of the Department of Economics marks an important milestone for the department. Her academic excellence, administrative experience, and inclusive leadership will undoubtedly strengthen research culture, enhance academic standards, and guide the department toward new achievements. Her dedication, professionalism, and vision will inspire both staff and students alike.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Professor Sunanda Madduma Bandara, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Professor A. W. K. Wasantha Subasinghe, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine; Professor Chaminda Abyesinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor Jeewantha Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Mr K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University; Ms U. T. M. I. D. Tennakoon, Bursar; Heads of the Departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and the academic staff members of the University.