Japanese Delegates Join University of Kelaniya for Annual Re-Act 2025 Forum

The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Kelaniya, proudly hosted the Annual Research and Activity Exchange (Re-Act 2025) Forum on 1st September 2025, with the participation of distinguished academic delegates from Kanazawa University and Chukyo University, Japan.

The day commenced with a warm reception followed by a vibrant exchange of physical and cultural activities between undergraduates of the Sport and Recreation Management programme of the University of Kelaniya and students from Chukyo University. The university playground came alive with energy, highlighting the power of sport as a bridge across cultures.

Parallel to these activities, a research sharing session was held at the Research Centre for Social Sciences, chaired by Senior Lecturer Dr. Charika Wickramarthne. The session featured thought-provoking presentations by Professor Tetsuya Sagawa (Kanazawa University), Professor Takahiro Nakano (Chukyo University), Professor Shohei Kokudo (Chukyo University), Senior Lecturer Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, and Dr. Hashi Peiris from the same department. A central focus was the progress review of joint research initiatives, the ongoing MoU, and the Kelaniya University Exchange Programme (KUEP), co-convened by Professor Sagawa and Dr. Ramanayaka. The active participation of the entire academic staff, including Senior Lecturer Dr. Jayantha Kalansooriya, Senior Lecturer (Mrs.) M. K. A. Anoma Rathnayaka, and Senior Lecturer (Mrs.) W. G. Deepika S. Wehialdeniya, further enriched the academic exchange.

A key highlight of the day was the ceremonial launch of the department’s first-ever e-publications under the leadership of Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, supported by editorial members Dr. Jayantha Kalansooriya and Senior Lecturer Deepika S. Wehigaldeniya. The launch introduced Vishrānthi, a bi-annual peer-reviewed journal dedicated to sport and recreation management and physical activity promotion, and Vishrānthi Junior, a pioneering platform for students and young researchers. Alongside these, the department unveiled its Newsletter, designed to share achievements, research insights, and community stories with both local and international audiences. The ceremonial launch, attended by Professors Sagawa, Nakano, and Kokudo, symbolised the strong spirit of international collaboration.

The day concluded with a fellowship lunch, fostering networking and reflection on the achievements of the forum. Later, the Japanese delegates met with Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, where discussions centered on further strengthening academic collaborations and exploring the possibility of a new university-level MoU.

The Re-Act 2025 Forum thus stood as a celebration of academic excellence, cultural exchange, and international partnership, marking another milestone in the Department’s global engagement.

Guest Lecture on “Developmental Communication, Digital Media and Asia” Held at the University of Kelaniya

A guest lecture titled “Developmental Communication, Digital Media and Asia”, organized by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, was held on 4th September 2025 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The lecture was delivered by Dr. Shruti Goel, Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism, Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi, India, and was designed for students of the Department of Mass Communication.

The event was graced by Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, along with the academic staff of the department. It also brought together Heads and academic staff of other departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences, as well as undergraduates of the BA (Hons) in Mass Communication and BA (Hons) in Public Relations and Media Management programmes.

Opening Ceremony of the Geo-Informatics Unit (GIU) – Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya

The Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, proudly celebrated a significant milestone with the ceremonial opening of its newly established Geo-Informatics Unit (GIU) on September 4, 2025.

The establishment of the GIS Unit reflects the department’s vision to advance teaching, learning, and research in geospatial sciences, while reinforcing its long-standing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence in the field of Geo-spatial education.

The occasion was honored by the distinguished presence of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, along with Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Senior Professor & Chair Lal Dharmasiri, Head of the Department of Geography. Adding further prestige to the event were Emeritus Professor N. K. Dangalle, Former Professor U. A. Chandrasena, and Former Senior Lecturer Sarath Jayakody, who joined the celebration together with all Heads of Departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Mr. N. N. Kandewatt­a, Assistant Registrar of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The participation of academic staff, non-academic staff, and students of the Department of Geography added warmth and vibrancy to the ceremony, which not only marked the establishment of the GIS Unit but also celebrated a new chapter in strengthening the department’s capacity for geospatial education and research excellence.

 

Lohitha Paramitha 2025: Blood Donation Campaign Held at the University of Kelaniya

The “Lohitha Paramitha” blood donation program, organized by the Staff and Students’ Association of the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on 29th August 2025 at the university gymnasium.

The inaugural session was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, along with Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; academic and non-academic staff members of the university; as well as the academic staff and students of the department.

The event was conducted with the collaboration of the Kalutara and Ragama Blood Bank teams, who extended their valuable service throughout the program.

The initiative reflected the strong commitment of the university community towards social responsibility and humanitarian service, while also fostering unity among staff and students through a noble cause.

 

A Delegation from Yunnan University, China Visits University of Kelaniya

The Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya welcomed a delegation from Yunnan University, China on August 15, 2025. The delegation comprised Dr. Wei Ping, Associate Professor at the School of Journalism, and Dr. Zuo Xiaolin, Associate Professor and Vice Dean of the School of Journalism, along with five professors and twelve undergraduate and postgraduate students.

During their visit, they toured the Department Studio and the University Library Museum, and also held a meeting with Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The discussions focused on future collaborations to enhance intercultural academic exchange, joint studies, and research initiatives aimed at strengthening Media and Communication Studies.

The visit was coordinated by Mr. Sugath Rathnayaka, Lecturer in the Department of Sri Lankan Studies, Foreign Language School, Yunnan University, and a doctoral applicant in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya.

From the University of Kelaniya, Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, along with Senior Lecturer Dr. Mangala Keerthy Pasquel, Senior Lecturer Dr. Aruna Lokuliyana, and other academic staff of the department engaged in a fruitful discussion with the Yunnan University delegation. 

Contacts

Dean,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

Tel : 011 2903802 (Direct line)
Email:
  deanss@kln.ac.lk

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