The “National and Students Research Conferences on Historical Studies” were held on the 2^nd and 3^rd of February 2023 at the University of Kelaniya, in commemoration of the 75^th Independence Day Celebration of Sri Lanka.

It was organized by the Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences. The conferences were initiated under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, the Vice–Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The Inaugural Ceremony of the National Research Conference was held on the 2^nd of March at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The keynote address of this ceremony was delivered by Senior Professor Mahinda Somathilaka, attached to the Department of History, of the University of Peradeniya. He discussed the risk of erroneous historiography pertaining to Sri Lankan history by both historians and non-historians. Dr. John Rogers, the Director of the American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies and the guest speaker of the ceremony, spoke on Legal issues in colonial Sri Lanka. Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean, of the Faculty of Social Sciences and several other deans, the registrar of the university, and heads of departments were among the invitees. At this conference, 51 papers were presented in 4 venues in English and Sinhala, and 12 papers were presented virtually in Tamil.

The Inaugural Ceremony of the Students Research Conference was held on the following day (3^rd), at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Humanities. The keynote speaker of this ceremony was Emeritus Professor K. M. P. Kulasekara. The guest speaker Mr. Tyler Lehere, a Ph.D. candidate at Wisconsin University and a Fulbright Scholar, who worked with the Department of History for a short period joined the plenary session virtually. He talked about the unsuccessful attempt to enthrone Prince Thep Phipet of Siam in Kandy in the 18th century. Forty-two student researchers from different universities presented their research findings at this conference.

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A special guest lecture on the Sri Lankan economy after 75 years of independence, organized by the Economics Student Association, Department of Economics, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 21st of February 2023, at the auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The lecture was delivered by former Central Bank Deputy Governor Dr. W. A. Wijewardena. The explanation of the reasons for the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the ideas about the actions that can be taken as pointed out through this lecture. It was further emphasized that to get out of the dark ages, the country has faced, more places should be given to self-standing.

The program took place with the participation of Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor W. M. Semasinghe, the Head of the Department of Economics, and Department Heads of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

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A beach cleanup was organized by the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya on the 13^th of February 2023 from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm at Wellawatta beach.

It was held in celebration of World Wetlands Day which falls on the 2^nd of February.

The theme of the project was "Mihikatha Hedakala Sonduru Bima; Theth Bima", while the main objective of this beach cleanup was to Secure wetlands which are some of the most important parts of the ecosystem.

Members of the academic staff and over 70 undergraduates of the Department of Geography took part in this event.

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A seminar was organized by the International Studies Student’s Association (ISSA) of the Department of International Studies, University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

It was held on the 16^th of February 2023 at the auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

This seminar provided a great opportunity for the audience to better understand the significance of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The event was graced by H. E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, Colombo, Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest while Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice - Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya participated as the Guest of Honor. Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean – Faculty of Social Sciences, Senior Prof. S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean – Faculty of Science, Senior Prof. N. A. K. P. J. Seneviratne, Dean – Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dr. Chaminda Abeysinghe, Head – Department of International Studies were also present at the event.

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