The National Workshop on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Library Professionals,” organized by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Alumni Association of Library and Information Science, was successfully held on the 1^st and 2^nd of December 2024 at the IT Laboratory K3 001 of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The workshop aimed to equip librarians and information professionals with essential AI tools and knowledge to enhance their roles in modern library settings.

The workshop was led by Dr. P. Venkata Rao, a distinguished expert in Knowledge Management, who currently serves as a fellow at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, India. Dr. Rao’s extensive experience, spanning over 26 years in various library settings, enriched the sessions. Participants engaged in both theoretical discussions and practical applications of AI in library operations.

The workshop covered key topics such as AI in libraries, knowledge management through AI, and practical demonstrations of AI tools for research and information management.

The workshop was attended by more than 75 participants, including librarians, scholars, and Library and Information Science (LIS) students.

Cadre Chair and Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science; Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya from the Department of Library and Information Science; and the staff members of the department graced the event. See More

The inauguration of the “International Seminar on Social Issues and Challenges in Current Scenario – A Multi-Disciplinary Approach (ISSICCS 2024),” organized by the Research Center of Social Science (RCSS), Faculty of Social Science, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Villupuram Historical Research Centre, Tamil Nadu, India, and Sociology of Sports, Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi, India,

was successfully held under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Chief Patron, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 6th of December 2024 at the Main Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. Accordingly, the first phase of the conference was held in Sri Lanka from 06th to 08th of December while the second phase is planned to be held from 09th to 12th of December in India.

The seminar aimed to create a platform for the dissemination and exchange of innovative research addressing pressing social, historical, cultural, and economic challenges. It brought together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to collaboratively analyze contemporary issues and develop actionable solutions.

Professor Dr. Ankuran Dutta, Director, Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, graced the event as the chief guest, while Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, Patron and Director of RCSS, University of Kelaniya, honoured the event as the Guest of Honour. Other honourable guests included Dr. B. Moazami Goodazi, Cultural Counsellor, Iran Cultural Centre, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka; Dr. J. B. Krishnan, Associate Professor in History, Annamalai University, India; Dr. J. Muthukumar, Associate Professor in History, Annamalai University, India; and Dr. Sridhar S., Assistant Professor in History, Annamalai University, India.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. B. Moazami Goodazi, providing a compelling exploration of cultural dynamics and their implications for addressing current social challenges. Additionally, Professor Dr. Ankuran Dutta, Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, and Dr. J. B. Krishnan also addressed the gathering. Moreover, the Abstract Volume was also released during the event.

The event fostered vibrant discussions and interdisciplinary engagement, offering participants a valuable opportunity to exchange research findings, ideas and insights. Senior Professor Karunathilake, Head of the Department of Sociology, acted as the Organizing Secretary, while Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, served as the Convener.

Further, the event also witnessed the participation of Professor V. D. N. S. Gunawardhana, Professor in History, University of Kelaniya; Dr. K. R. N. Harshani and Dr. Kumudu Sumedha, Editorial Committee Members of ISSICCS 2024; academic and non-academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and presenters. See More

The Research Library and Information Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, organized a workshop titled "Academic Integrity and Efficiency: Harnessing Mendeley for Effective Reference Management" for the academic staff of the faculty. This session was held on the 11^th of November 2024 at the Faculty Board Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The workshop aimed to enhance research skills by emphasizing the role of literature in research and the essential practices of organizing bibliographies and managing citations.

Mrs. Dilhani Munasinghe, Senior Assistant Librarian Grade I at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, and currently a Senior Lecturer on sabbatical at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, conducted an insightful workshop on the topic.

The session fostered a deeper practical understanding of the critical role of reference management tools in producing high-quality academic research, particularly in the field of Social Sciences.

Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Senior Lecturer R. M. Nadeeka Rathnabahu, Director of the Research Library and Information Centre, graced the occasion. See More

Cadre Chair and Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, was awarded the title of Best Original Academic and Research Texts of the Year 2023 for his work Low-Density Urbanism, at the State Literary Awards 2024. The prestigious awarding ceremony was held on the 27^th of November 2024 at the Temple Trees premises, Colombo 03. A renowned scholar in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Tourism, Senior Professor Gunawardhana is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to research and academia. His remarkable achievements have garnered recognition within the university and beyond, including his earlier distinction as Best Researcher in the Faculty of Social Sciences (2006–2009) at the Vice Chancellor’s Awards. The University of Kelaniya takes immense pride in Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana's accomplishments, which continue to inspire academic excellence.