The China-Sri Lanka Academic Exchange Workshop, hosted by the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 21^st of November 2024 at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The main objective of the event was to foster knowledge-sharing and explore the theme of "Connectivity-Led (Regional) Developmentalism in the Turbulent Era."

The workshop began with a meeting between the delegates and Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya to discuss potential avenues for academic collaboration between Sri Lanka and China. The meeting was held at the Vice-chancellor’s office.

The event was spearheaded by Cadre Chair and Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri, Head of the Department of Geography, and featured Professor Zhigao Liu from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, as the chief guest. Professor Zhigao Liu delivered an honorary speech on “Connectivity-Led Developmentalism in the Turbulent Era,” emphasizing China's developmental initiatives.

The program also included a series of lectures and presentations. Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, Professor V. D. N. S. Gunawardhana, Dr. Malsha Mayoshi, and Lecturer (Probationary) K. Nishanthi from the Faculty of Social Sciences delivered insightful lectures on the Sri Lanka-China relationship, Evolution of development in Sri Lanka and Labor Infrastructure, while Mr. Jingxiang Feng, Ph.D. Candidate from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) presented key aspects of Regional Development Strategies in China Since 2000.

The workshop facilitated Chinese scholarship opportunities, and meaningful discussions on academic exchange and collaboration, highlighting the importance of bilateral relationships in education and research. It served as a platform for fostering international partnerships and strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and China in the field of geography and social sciences.

The event also witnessed the participation of the staff of the Department of Geography and a few staff members from the Faculty of Social Sciences. See More

The “MACO Social Bridge,” an annual social work initiative by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, has reached new heights this year by introducing the transformative medium of community filmmaking to rural Sri Lanka.

This year’s project, an integral part of the Mass Communication Honours Degree program, aimed to empower the people of Yakunnawa Maha Vidyalaya in Monaragala and neighboring villages, celebrating their cultural heritage while addressing social challenges through storytelling.  

The project began with a preliminary visit to Yakunnawa on the 2^nd of October, setting the groundwork for a collaborative effort. On 10th and 11^th of October, the first major activity: a two-day filmmaking workshop, was conducted by the department’s lecturers. It brought together students and local villagers to explore the essentials of filmmaking, covering concept development, scriptwriting, camera techniques, acting, and directing.  

Building on this foundation, the second phase focused on the actual production of a community-driven film. A production team visited Bibile on the 4^th of November to scout locations and conduct a casting session with local residents. This was followed by logistical preparations by a dedicated team on the 7^th of November. The main filming took place on 9^th and 10^th of November, with active participation from community members. Villagers not only acted in the film but also took on critical roles in concept ideation, storyline development, camera work, coordination, and production management.  

The entire project was overseen by Senior Lecturer Dr. Mangala Pasqual and Lecturer Ileka Ruwanpathirana, who provided expert guidance and ensured its success.  In addition, Senior Lecturer Darshana Somarathne, Assistant Lecturer Dimuthu Chathuranga Jinasena, Assistant Lecturer Sathushka Jayawardana, and Assistant Lecturer Mahesha Withanage made valuable contributions, providing resources and support for its success.

By using filmmaking as a medium for empowerment, the “MACO Social Bridge” has equipped rural communities with the skills to share their stories, celebrate their culture, and raise awareness about local issues. See More

The "Pradīpa 2024" Book Donation Program, organized by the Public Relations and Media Management Students' Association of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya, took place under the theme “Manusat Hadawatak – Arutbara Parapurak,” on the 29^th of October 2024, at Wegalla Junior School in the Dehiowita Education Division, Kegalle.

The program aimed to uplift the social status of Sri Lankan citizens through a range of educational and social initiatives. Additionally, it focused on improving the educational standards of students in Sri Lankan schools by offering various educational programs, donations, and opportunities for practical engagement in subjects.

During the event, exercise books and stationery items were donated to all 151 students of Wegalla Junior School. Additionally, books for the school library and essential office equipment were also provided. The program also featured various activities and lectures designed for students from Grades 1 to 11.

Assistant Lecturer Dimuthu Jinasena from the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya delivered a special lecture titled “The Usage of Social Media and its Importance,” aimed at students from Grades 1 to 11.

The event saw active participation from the academic staff of the Department of Mass Communication, including Lecturer Dasini Madurasinghe, Assistant Lecturer Dimuthu Jinasena, Assistant Lecturer Mahesha Withanage, and Assistant Lecturer Hansika Sewwandi, as well as Major D. U. L. G. Jayakody, Principal of Wegalle Junior School, teachers, parents, and the students of Wegalla Junior School. See More

The 3^rd International River Congress (IRC-3), jointly organized by the South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD); National Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (NCAS), and the University of Kelaniya, under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Sri Lanka; was held on the 8^th and 9^th of November 2024 at the University of Kelaniya premises.

The special interest of the event was in riverine management from various disciplines, including chemical and mineral engineering, biomedical engineering and parasitology, histo-archaeology, geology, geography, etc. The event mainly focused on how and what measures are to be taken to restore the virgin quality of riverine in terms of achieving the long-term sustainable goals. 

The inaugural ceremony of the congress was honoured by the presence of Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Hon. Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, while Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Prof. Neelima Gupta, Vice-chancellor of Dr. Harisingh Gour Sagar Central University, India, graced the occasion as the Guests of Honour. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Neelima Gupta. Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, and Prof. Prashanthi Narangoda, Director and Chairman/Council of Management of NCAS, also addressed the gathering during the event.

The inaugural ceremony also featured an awarding ceremony where Professor Nileema Gupta was awarded with the Prof. S. R. Basu Memorial Award, Mr. Yashwant Deval was awarded the Best River Rejuvenator Award, and Prof. Md. Manzoorul Kibria was awarded with the Best River Scientist of the Year 2024.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the book cover page “River and Research (Vol. - 2) was also launched during the event.

The event also witnessed the participation of Dr. Biswajit Roy Chowdhury, the Patron of IRC-3 and the Chairperson, SAIARD, and Professor N. Sakalasurya of the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, Joint Convener of IRC-3. Additionally, the Central Environmental Authority, Urban Development Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Irrigation, National Water Supply & Drainage Board, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), World Bank (Sri Lanka Division), Nippon-Koei (Japan), River Recycle Ltd., Finland, Ministry of Education, Greece South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET), African Union Development Agency, and several other stakeholder agencies were also among the participants. The gathering was also comprised of local and international participants, some of whom participated online. See More