The University of Kelaniya had the distinct honour of hosting the launch of Clinical Medical Librarianship, authored by Mrs. Priyanka Dilhani Munasinghe, Senior Lecturer (Sabbatical Leave) at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya on February 20th, 2025, at the Staff Development Center.

The event, which was organized by the Department of Library and Information Science, marked a significant milestone in advancing medical librarianship's role in clinical practice and healthcare education.

Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the event as the chief guest. The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Priyanwada Wanigasooriya, Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, who emphasized the importance of this publication in bridging the gap between librarianship and medical sciences.

Following the welcome remarks, the dignitaries were presented with copies of the book, accompanied by a felicitation ceremony. The thematic address was delivered by Senior Professor W.A. Weerasooriya, Department of Library and Information Science from the University of Kelaniya, highlighting the impact of medical librarianship on evidence-based practice and healthcare outcomes. Furthermore, Senior Professor Cadre Chair M. K. Weerasinghe’s presence also graced and coloured the occasion. See More

The Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Kelaniya plays a pivotal role in shaping the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) in Sri Lanka. It provides comprehensive academic programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees ranging from a Bachelor’s in Library and Information Science to a PhD. Additionally; it offers a three-year diploma program leading to a Higher Diploma in LIS. The department focuses on developing both theoretical and practical expertise, offering vital training to create skilled professionals for the LIS field in Sri Lanka.

The department actively promotes international collaboration with European and Asian countries, including India. These partnerships enhance knowledge exchange and training opportunities for students and staff. The department is also a key player in organizing global research events and conferences, fostering international academic dialogue and advancing knowledge in the LIS domain.

In line with its commitment to global engagement, the University of Kelaniya’s Department of Library and Information Science participated in the International Conference on “Building Sustainable Libraries Connecting Communities: Librarianship, Technology, and Collaboration”, held at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India, on February 7–8, 2025. The conference served as a platform for discussing innovative approaches to library science and community engagement.

Representing Sri Lanka at the conference were Senior Professors MK Weerasinghe and WA Weerasooriya. Professor Weerasinghe delivered the keynote speech, while Professor Weerasooriya gave the valedictory address. During the valedictory session, Senior Professor Weerasooriya was honored for his significant contributions to the Sri Lankan library sector and his efforts in advancing library science education in India.

The conference attracted around ten academic staff members from the University of Kelaniya’s Department of Library and Information Science, along with approximately twenty postgraduate students and researchers. Several researchers from Sri Lankan universities, including Peradeniya, Uva Wellassa, and Kothalawala Defence University, also presented research papers and contributed to the event with guest speeches, special talks, and academic discussions.

Notably, three staff members from the University of Kelaniya received Best Research Paper awards: Senior Lecturer Nadika Rathnabahu, Lecturer Imasha Divyachapa, and Senior Assistant Librarian Dilhani Munasingha. Their recognition reflects the department’s commitment to excellence in research and scholarship in the field of Library and Information Science. See More

The inauguration ceremony of the 6th batch of the Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), was successfully held on the 8^th of February 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

This event was held with the aim of officially commencing the 6th batch of Diploma in GIS.

Professor Manjula Rangalage at the Department of Environmental Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, graced the event as the chief guest and the keynote speaker, while other distinguished guests of the ceremony included Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences; Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri, Head and Chair of the Department of Geography; Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, Director of the Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS); and Dr. Saseeka Wijesekara, the Course Coordinator.

The event commenced with the welcome address by Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri. He also provided an overview about the objectives of the Diploma program. Addressing the gathering, Professor A. G. Amarasinghe emphasized the qualities and skills that the students should enhance during the diploma program during his speech. Professor M. M. Gunathilake, speaking at the gathering, mentioned the Department of Geography’s progress and achievements over the years. The keynote speaker, Professor Manjula Ranagalage’s insights were very valuable for the new diploma entrants, as he highlighted the recent trends in the GIS field and available opportunities for GIS scholars.

The token of Appreciation was handed over to Professor Ranagalage, by Professor M. M. Gunathilake and Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri.

Additionally, the academic and non-academic members of the Department of Geography, diploma applicants, and other students also participated in the event.

The History Students’ Association of the University of Kelaniya successfully organized a History Seminar for students preparing for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination this year. The seminar took place on the 6th of February 2025 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

A total of 120 students from seven selected schools in the Kelaniya education zone participated in the seminar, which was held under the supervision of Dr. Dhammika Manatunga, Head of the Department of History.

The seminar featured interactive sessions led by undergraduates of the BA (Hons) Degree Program in History, providing participants with valuable insights and exam preparation strategies, including a model paper discussion.