The ongoing collaboration between the University of Kelaniya, Kanazawa University, and Chukyo University continued to thrive with an enlightening academic session between the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education of the University of Kelaniya and Chukyo University, Japan, which was held on the 5^th of September 2024, at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Kelaniya, focusing on sports management and cross-cultural exchanges.

This session showcased the importance of cross-cultural academic exchanges and underlined the commitment of all three universities to fostering academic excellence and cultural understanding through international collaboration.

During the event, undergraduates from Chukyo University presented an in-depth overview of their Sport Science and Management courses, sharing the latest academic opportunities available at their institution. As part of their presentation, the Japanese students shared the results of their research projects, offering insights into current trends and innovations in the field of sport science. Additionally, they highlighted their culturally specific interests, which led to a rich exchange of ideas between students from both Sri Lanka and Japan, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.

A key highlight of the event was the collaborative session between academic staff from all three universities, focusing on the modification of the Annual Asian Child Survey for the years 2024 and 2025. This partnership ensured the survey's continued relevance and excellence in research, with contributions from experts across multiple academic disciplines.

Senior Lecturer Mrs. M. K. A. Anoma Rathnayake, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, honoured the event as the Chief Guest. Additionally, Prof. Tetsuya Sagawa from Kanazawa University and Prof. Shohei Kokudo, Prof. Tohiru Koizo, and Prof. Takahiro Nakano from Chukyo University graced the event as Honourable Guests.

To recognize the contributions of the participating students, the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education of the University of Kelaniya awarded them certificates of appreciation along with tokens of gratitude.

Present at the occasion were Dr. Charika Wickramarathne, Programme coordinator, and the academic staff members of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education of the University of Kelaniya. Read More

An almsgiving was held in memory of Professor Jayasiri Lankage and to offer blessings, on 2^nd April 2024 at the Department of Library and Information Science

under the patronage of Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science along with academic and non-academic staff of the department. Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian of the University of Kelaniya, Mr. Preethi Liyanage, President of the Sri Lanka Library Association, Mrs. Lankage, and her daughter, and students participated in the occasion. In the Anusasana, Senior Professor Rev. Induragare Dhammarathna Thero expressed the substantial contribution of Professor Lankage to both the Librarianship and Cinnamon industry of Sri Lanka.

Professor Lankage made an immortal service to the field of Library and Information Science in Sri Lanka. He assumed duties as the First Lecturer on 1^st June 1973 and became the Founder of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya.  Between 1986 and 2002, Professor Lankage served as the Librarian at the University of Kelaniya introducing different changes to the library and its services. Read More

On the 8^th of April 2024, the “Nethra” Book Donation Program took place at Pelgahathenna School. The event was graced by the Head of the Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Kelaniya,

Professor M. K. Weerasingha, as well as Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya and other Lecturers of the Department, adding vibrancy to the occasion.

The program’s main objective was to bridge the educational resource gap by enriching Uva Provincial School libraries and promoting reading among students. The event was a collaborative effort, with active participation from Education Directors, School Principals, and Teachers from Uva Provincial Schools.

The School’s Principal, Staff, and Parents played a significant role in organizing the book donation program and inviting representatives from other schools to collect their book parcels. A total of 40 book parcels were generously donated during the event. These parcels represent not just books, but opportunities for students to explore new worlds, expand their horizons, and dream big. Read More

In 2014, the Department of Sociology embarked on a transformative journey by introducing the Higher Diploma in Correction and Rehabilitation for Prison Officers (HDCR) and the Diploma in Correction and Rehabilitation for Prison Officers (DCRP). Spearheaded by Professor Geethani Amaratunga, this initiative aimed to enhance the professional capabilities of prison officers, ensuring a more effective and humane approach to correctional practices.

The founding coordinators, Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, and Senior Lecturer Sudeera Jayaweera played pivotal roles in shaping the programs until 2023, laying a strong foundation for their continued success. Recently, on the 7^th of April 2024, an inauguration program marked the commencement of the new batches, the 3^rd batch for HDCR and the 6^th batch for DCRP at the Social Sciences Auditorium of the University of Kelaniya. This event heralded a new chapter, with Senior Lecturer Indika Rajapaksha and Lecturer Auchithya Rathnayake taking over as the coordinators, poised to lead the programs to greater heights.

Organized by the Department of Sociology, the inauguration was graced by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor M. M. Gunatilake, as the guest of honor. Professor Praneeth Abhayasundara from the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation in the correctional system.

The presence of Mr. Ajith Basnayake, the Commissioner of Prisons, highlighted the collaboration between academia and the prison service, underscoring the commitment to improve correctional practices. Professor D. M. Ubesekara and Senior Professor K. Karunathilake also shared their insights, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning and professional development in the field.

The event was a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of correction and rehabilitation education for prison officers. Senior Lecturer Anoma Rathnayake, the Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, and the lecturers of the Department of Sociology joined in celebrating this milestone, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the programs and their broader impact on society. Read More