The Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, ceremonially inaugurated the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (External) Degree Programme on 7th November 2025 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The event was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, who attended as the chief guest. Distinguished invitees included Mr. Rasika Karunarathna, Deputy Secretary (Admissions), University Grants Commission; Senior Professor Wasantha Subasinghe, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine;  Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dammadassi Thero, Director of the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education; Cadre Chair and Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe; Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya; Dr. Priyanwada Wanigasooriya, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science; and all the academic staff members together with Heads of Departments, Professors, and other academic members of the Faculty.

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science (External) Degree Programme has been introduced with the objective of providing an academic progression pathway for students who have successfully completed the Diploma and Higher Diploma in Library and Information Science, offered by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya. The programme is designed to enhance the professional knowledge, skills, and competencies of those engaged in the field of library and information science, thereby contributing to the advancement of the profession at both national and institutional levels.

A special guest lecture, organized by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on October 29, 2025, at the Board Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The lecture was delivered by Professor Eric Steinhauer of the University of Hagen, Germany, on the German Library System and Librarianship.

During his presentation, Professor Steinhauer provided an in-depth overview of the organizational structure, governance, and professional standards of libraries in Germany. He also highlighted the unique services offered by German libraries, including their advanced digital infrastructure, open access initiatives, and community-oriented programs. Furthermore, he discussed the current trends and emerging challenges in German librarianship, such as digital transformation, copyright issues, and professional ethics.

The session was followed by an engaging interactive discussion, where postgraduate students raised thoughtful questions and shared their reflections on how these international practices could be adapted within the Sri Lankan library context.

The event was graced by Dr. Priyanwada Wanigasooriya, Head of the Department; Carder Chair and Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe; Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya; and Dr. Wathsala Athukorala, Deputy Librarian, Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo, along with academic staff members and postgraduate students of the department.

The lecture provided an inspiring and intellectually stimulating experience, broadening participants’ global perspectives on modern librarianship and library management practices. 

The inauguration ceremony of the Certificate Course on Participatory Democracy, offered by the Department of Political Science, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with AFRIEL Guarantee Ltd., Sri Lanka, was successfully held on 2nd November 2025 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The Chief Guest of the event was Prof. M. M. Gunatilake, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The occasion was also graced by Heads of Departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Mr. Ravindra de Silva, Chairman of AFRIEL Guarantee Ltd.; and other board members of AFRIEL. Mr. Prasad Weerasiri, Director, National Operations, Ministry of Education, also attended the ceremony as a special guest. Academic and non-academic members of the faculty, together with participants of the first and second batches of the course, were present at the event.

The Certificate Course on Participatory Democracy aims to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of field-level government officers to promote participatory and inclusive governance practices in Sri Lanka. The participants of the course include Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Development Officers, and Development Officers representing various regions across the island.

The partnership between the Department of Political Science and AFRIEL Guarantee Ltd. demonstrates a significant step towards fostering collaboration between academia and civil society organizations to strengthen democratic participation and governance at the grassroots level.

The inauguration ceremony of the 2^nd batch of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, offered by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on the 26^th of October 2025, at the Boardroom of the Faculty of Social Sciences. 

The aim of the inauguration ceremony was to officially commence the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management and to inspire new students to begin their academic journey with enthusiasm and confidence. The objectives were to introduce the course structure, faculty, and the practical importance of PR and media management in today’s world, while fostering connections among students, academics, and industry professionals.

Retired Professor Sarath Amunugama, Department of  Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya, graced the event as the chief guest. Additionally, the event was attended by Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Emeritus Professor Sunanda Mahendra and Emeritus Professor Chandrasiri Rajapaksha, Department of Mass Communication; Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Head and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Mass Communication, along with the academic staff members of the department; Mr. K. B. S. L. Wijerathna, Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; and the students of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management.