The higher diploma and diploma awarding ceremony of the Higher Diploma in Communication and Public Relations, Diploma in Mass Communication, and Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, offered by the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 3^rd of March 2024 at Sri Dharmaloka Hall.

The HDCPR, DIMC, and DPMM programs focus on providing specialized skills and practical knowledge in areas related to mass communication, media, and public relations, ensuring students are well-prepared to excel in their chosen careers upon completion.

Mr. Anura Siriwardena, Managing Director of Voice of Asia Network and Chairman of Global CEO Magazine graced the event as the keynote speaker. With extensive experience in media management and public relations, Mr. Siriwardena delivered an insightful speech focusing on the evolving landscape of media management and public relations in today’s world. His address provided invaluable insights and guidance to the diploma holders, setting the tone for their future endeavors in the industry.

Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Senior Lecturer  Amali Uthpala Nandasiri, Coordinator of the Higher Diploma in Communication and Public Relations, Lecturer Ileka Ruwanpathirana, Coordinator of the Diploma in Mass Communication, Lecturer Dilini Gamage, Coordinator of the Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, other academic staff members of the Department of Mass Communication, and members of the external resource panel, non-academic staff members and diploma holders attended the event.

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The first field season of the three-year collaborative research project on Polonnaruwa Archaeology and Anthropology Urban Landscape Project, conducted collaboratively by the Department of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya and La Trobe University of Australia, took place from the 4^th of February 2024 to the 24^th of February 2024 at the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa.

During the project’s first field season, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Auguring technologies were employed. The GPR data showed information about many widely distributed buildings, furnaces, ponds, and walls in the Central Urban area of the citadel. The auguring examination identified soil layers containing cultural evidence.

Archaeological excavations are planned for next July to learn more about the observed sites. This research was conducted under the direction of Senior Professor and Chair of Archaeology Prishanta Gunawardhana, University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Keir Strickland from La Trobe University in Australia.

A one-day workshop to discuss the results of this research project was also held on the 26^th of February 2024 at the Research Center of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Kelaniya. Senior Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana, Dr. Keir Strickland, Senior Professor Anura Manatunga, Professor A. G.  Amarasinghe, Director of Research Center, and Senior Professor Jagath Weerasinghe addressed in the inauguration session. Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana, Dr Keir Strickland, Paul Penzo–Kajewski, Bradley Yon, Senior Lecturer Harendra Lal Namalgamuwa, Senior Lecturer Umanga Rammungoda, Hiruni Pamalka, Jayampath Senanayaka (PGIAR) presented research papers of the results of the project. At the end of the workshop, certificates were awarded to all those who participated in the research project.

The felicitation ceremony and launching of the academic festschrift of Professor Emeritus Mr. Ariyarathna Athugala of the Department of Mass Communication was held on 15^th February at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium.

Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences expressed their congratulations to Professor Emeritus Mr. Ariyarathna Athugala. Professor Emeritus Mr. Sunanda Mahendra of the Department of Mass Communication, Senior Lecturer Mr. Dhamma Dissanayake of the University of Colombo, and Professor Emeritus Mr. Sena Nanayakkara of Rajarata University also delivered their expressions.

Senior Lecturer Mr. Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, and Senior Lecturer Mr. Aruna Lokuliyana of the Department of Mass Communication presented a special souvenir to Professor Emeritus Mr. Ariyarathna Athugala and Senior Lecturer Ms. Samanthika Priyadarshani, of the Department of Mass Communication presented the “Athugala Festschrift” to him. In addition, a documentary film directed by the Lecturer Ms. Ileka Ruwanpathirana was also shown on the academic and artistic life of Professor Emeritus Mr. Ariyarathna Athugala. Appreciating the services of Professor Emeritus Mr. Ariyarathna Athugala, Commissioner Mr. Niroshan Thambawita also presented a special souvenir on behalf of the Sri Lanka Press Council. Deans, Heads of the Departments, Lecturers, Non-Academic Staff, and Students of the University of Kelaniya as well as Lecturers from other universities participated in this event. The participation of artists representing the field of arts was exceptional.

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The documentary “Minarets”, an exploration of the music and song traditions of the Sri Lankan Muslims by Nadya Perera was screened on 12^th February 2024 at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium. The Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya organized the event.

Senior Lecturer Sithumini Rathnamalala of the University of Moratuwa, Musician Gayathri Khemadasa, and Assistant Lecturer Sakeef Sam commented on the film. Director Nadya Perera and cinematographer Mahinda Abeysinghe also participated in the film conversation. Senior Lecturer Samanthika Priyadarshani moderated the conversation.

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