Professor Nishan Sakalasooriya officially assumed duties as the new Head of the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The appointment letter was presented to him by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 25th of September 2025 at the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

Professor Sakalasooriya is a senior academic in the Department of Geography with over two decades of academic and professional experience. His areas of specialization include Disaster Management, Sustainable Development, Regional Planning, and Political Ecology. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography, an MSSc in Geography, and a BA (Hons) in Geography, all from the University of Kelaniya.

His research primarily focuses on project evaluation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable approaches to regional development planning, and community governance for sustainable societies. In addition, he is an active member of the International Geographical Congress, the American Association of Geographers (AAG), and the Sri Lanka Geographers’ Association (SLAG). He has also contributed extensively as a resource person at various workshops, as a guest lecturer, and in curriculum development for Geography and Disaster Management programs in Sri Lanka.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, along with academic staff members of the department, including Emeritus Cadre Chair Senior Professor N. K. Dangalla, Professor R. K. L. M. Dharmasiri, and Professor U.A. Chandrasena.

The Research Library & Information Center of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, successfully launched the Research Literacy Seminar Series with its first session titled “How to Conduct a Literature Review Effectively Using Effective Searching Techniques,” on 11th September 2025 at K3-001, Faculty of Social Sciences Computer Lab.

The session was conducted by Mrs. Dilhani Munasinghe, Senior Assistant Librarian, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, who served as the resource person. Mrs. Chandima Wedasinghe, Senior Assistant Librarian at the same institute, also graced the event.

The workshop focused on equipping undergraduates with the necessary skills to identify relevant research sources and critically evaluate their credibility using advanced searching techniques.

This seminar provided a valuable opportunity for undergraduates to strengthen their research literacy skills, laying a strong foundation for academic writing and future research endeavors.

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The Research Library & Information Center of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, successfully organized the first session of the Learn to Learn Workshop Series under the theme “Get Involved: Your University Life and Career”. The workshop was held on 17th September 2025 at the K14 Auditorium, Faculty of Humanities.

The resource person for the session was Dr. K. R. N. Harshani, Director of Kalana Mithuru Sevana, University of Kelaniya.

The program was designed to guide undergraduates in making the most of their university experience while preparing for future career opportunities. Through this session, students gained valuable insights on balancing academic, extracurricular, and professional development activities to achieve holistic growth during their time at the University.

This workshop marked the beginning of a series of interactive sessions aimed at equipping students with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for their academic journey and career readiness.

An awareness program for school children, organized by the Department of Mass Communication in collaboration with the Communication and Media Unit of the University of Kelaniya, was held on September 11, 2025, at Ruhunu Vijayaba National College, Beliatta, in the Tangalle Educational Zone. The program was conducted under the theme “Mental Health and Media Practices of School Children.”

Two lectures were delivered during the program. Senior Lecturer Dr. Mangala Pasqual presented an insightful session on “Understanding the Digital Media Space,” while Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, spoke on “Digital Media Usage and Its Impact.”

The event was attended by Senior Lecturer Saman Rajapaksha, Director of the Communication and Media Unit; academic staff members of the Department of Mass Communication; staff members of the Communication and Media Unit; and third-year undergraduates of the BA (Hons) in Mass Communication and BA (Hons) in Public Relations and Media Management degree programs.