The first awareness workshop under the project “Fostering Climate Change Action Ambassadors: Empowering Youth for Climate Resilience,” a collaboration between Janathakshan GTE Ltd., HSBC, and the Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, was launched on the 4^th of November 2024 at the Auditorium K2-003.

The workshop brought students and experts together to address critical climate issues, marking the beginning of a nationwide effort to cultivate informed climate advocates among university students.

The main objective of the workshop was to foster Sri Lankan university students into ambassadors for climate action, empowering them to advocate for mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and strategies to address loss and damage within their generation and broader society, ensuring the future of the country is prepared to plan, implement, and act in alignment with the changing climate realities.

The event was graced by the presence of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, as the chief guest, along with Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Senior Professor K. Karunathilake, Head of the Department of Sociology.

Mrs. Manel Jayamanna, Regional Development Specialist, led discussions on the causes and science of climate change, greenhouse gases, and global warming during the technical sessions titled "Understanding the Science of Climate Change," during the first session. Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the urgency of addressing greenhouse gas emissions and their role in global warming.

In the next technical session, Dr. Manoj Ranaweera, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, provided insights into the local and global impacts of climate change. Thus, Dr. Ranaweera’s session focused on climate impacts within Sri Lanka and beyond.

The workshop featured dynamic discussions and student-led initiatives, where attendees actively participated by creating a pledge banner to commit to reducing their carbon footprint. The event also marked a critical step toward fostering climate resilience through youth empowerment. The project will continue over the next two years, with advanced training sessions designed to prepare students as leaders in climate action, ensuring their capacity to influence sustainable practices and policies in the future.

The distinguished attendees included Dr. Janaka Hemathilaka, CEO of Janathakshan GTE Ltd.; Ms. Nilwala Ravihari, Project Manager at Janathakshan GTE Ltd.; Prof. Geethani Amaratunga; Senior Lecturer Dr. Sarath Vitharana; Senior Lecturer Mrs. H. A. Kumudu Sumedha Sanjeewani; Senior Lecturer Mrs. R. P. I. C. Rajapakse; Lecturer Mrs. W. M. Gayathri Panampitiya; Lecturer Mrs. Sachini Nisansala; Lecturer Mr. Auchithya Rathnayake; Assistant Lecturer Mr. K. G. Manujaya Eksith; Assistant Lecturer Ms. D. M. C. Dissanayake; and Assistant Lecturer Mrs. K. N. Haputhanthri. See More

Dr. Chris Haywood, Reader in Critical Masculinity Studies in the Department of Media, Culture and Heritage at Newcastle University, UK, met with Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 6^th of November 2024 at the Vice-chancellor’s Office.

Dr. Chris Haywood and Dr. Manoj Jinadasa from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, are currently launching a collaborative research project funded by a British Academy Grant and an International Science Grant, focusing on Sri Lankan higher education and gender representation from a feminist perspective.

Dr. Haywood has published extensively in leading academic journals and authored influential books with respected publishers, including Routledge, Sage, Taylor & Francis, Springer, and Macmillan. His current research project, Becoming a Man in Sri Lanka: Understanding Post-Compulsory Education Trajectories in Sri Lanka, continues his exploration of the socio-cultural dimensions of masculinity.

Newcastle University and the University of Kelaniya are also working towards developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative research, with the aim of strengthening contributions at global, national, and local levels.

Present on the occasion were Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication; and Dr. Manoj Jinadasa from the Department of Mass Communication. See More

A special guest lecture on “Why Masculinity?: Exploring Men, Desire, and UK Sex Clubs,” organized by the Research Centre for Social Sciences, was held on the 06^th of November 2024 at the Board Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The main objective of conducting this lecture was to create dialogue on research works.

The lecture was conducted by Dr. Chris Haywood, Reader in Critical Masculinity Studies at the Department of Media, Culture and Heritage in the School of Arts and Cultures, Newcastle University, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. The event was also honoured by the presence of Professor A. G. Amarasinghe of the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, as an Honourable Guest. 

The lecture was attended by members of academic staff representing all the departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences, researchers, and students. See More

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. See More