The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and Japan's Kanazawa and Chukyo Universities successfully concluded the Fifth Annual Meeting with Kanazawa University and Chukyo University, Japan, on September 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. This significant event took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences Board Room, University of Kelaniya. This year's gathering marked a milestone as it was the first meeting after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, and Kanazawa University.

A key highlight of the day was a one-hour meeting between Professor M.M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and representatives from Kanazawa University. The discussion focused on the next steps to implement the recently signed MoU, particularly initiating student and staff exchange programmes. Immediate action will be taken to nominate staff from the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, for exchange visits.  In an exciting development, Chukyo University extended an invitation to the University of Kelaniya to sign a MoU to foster student exchanges between the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Kelaniya, and the Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University. Professor Gunathilaka accepted the invitation, paving the way for increased collaboration in health and sport sciences.

Mr.N.N.Kandewatta, Assistant register, Faculty of Social Sciences, Senior Lecturer M. K. A. Anoma Ratnayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education at the Faculty of Social Sciences, programme coordinator Dr. Charika Wickramarathne and the academic staff members of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education at the Faculty of Social Sciences graced the occasion. The Japanese contingent included esteemed representatives from Kanazawa University, such as Professor Tetsuya Sagawa, and from Chukyo University, including Professors Shohei Kokudo, Tohiru Koizo, and Takahiro Nakano. This annual meeting has further strengthened ties between the institutions and will expand future opportunities in education and research.