The third field season of the Polonnaruwa Archaeological and Anthropological Urban Landscape Project was conducted from 3^rd to 24^th of February 2025, in Polonnaruwa. This collaborative research initiative was conducted by the Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya, in partnership with La Trobe University (Australia), the University of Jaffna, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UK), New York University (USA), and the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya (PGIAR). During this season, extensive research activities were carried out, including LiDAR surveys at the Polonnaruwa Hinterland and Sigiriya, field survey and excavations, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys at the Polonnaruwa Hinterland. The project was led by Chair Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana and Dr. Keir Strickland.

As part of the project, a one-day workshop was held on the 25^th of February 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The event was attended graced by Senior Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Senior Professor Anura Manatunga, Department of Archaeology; and Senior Professor Gamini Adhikari, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, as the chief guests. The researchers from La Trobe University and lecturers and students of the Department of Archaeology also attended the event. The workshop focused on discussing key findings from the project and their implications for the field of archaeology. A special felicitation ceremony was also held to honor distinguished scholars for their exceptional contributions to field of archaeology and cultural tourism in Sri Lanka. The following academics were recognized for their service: Dr. Sirinimal Lakdusinghe, former Director of the National Museum of Sri Lanka; Emeritus Professor A. A. D. Amarasekara, former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya; Senior Professor T. G. Kulatunga, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura; and Professor Herath Madana Bandara, Department of Economics, University of Kelaniya. Additionally, both local and international scholars involved in the project presented their insights on recent discoveries and the future direction of the research. This project continues to play a significant role in uncovering the rich history of Polonnaruwa and advancing archaeological research in Sri Lanka.

The “Ālambana” Photography Exhibition, organized as part of “Sanjanani 2025: Communication and Public Relations Festival” by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, was ceremonially inaugurated for the seventh time on the 4th of March 2025, at the Art Gallery of the University. Accordingly, the exhibition is scheduled to be held from 4th to 6th of March 2025.

Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Thilina Kaluthotage, Freelance Photojournalist, attended as the Guest of Honour, adding significant value to the event. Additionally, a special photo collection by Mr. Kaluthotage was showcased on the first floor of the Art Gallery.

During the opening ceremony, certificates were awarded to the winners, recognizing their outstanding contributions. The event also saw the participation of Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, along with academic and non-academic staff of the department and undergraduates of the university.

The inauguration ceremony of “Sanjanani 2025: Communication and Public Relations Festival” organized annually by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, and the “Harasara” Awarding Ceremony, which is held in parallel to Sanjanani 2025, were successfully held on the 5th of March 2025 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. This year’s festival, themed “AI and EI: Shaping the Future Together,” was held under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The Harasara Awarding Ceremony, marking its 18th year, honored Mr. Shan Wickramasinghe, the founder of ITN, Sri Lanka’s first television channel, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the country’s television media industry. The award was presented to Mr. Wickramasinghe by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

Aligning with the festival’s theme, Professor Hiran Amarasekara from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura delivered the keynote speech on Artificial Intelligence, providing insightful perspectives on its impact on communication and public relations. Furthermore, the Souvenir of Sanjanani 2025: a special publication marking the Communication and Public Relations Festival, and the 11^th Edition of “Mādhya Vimarśī,” a scholarly publication by the academics of the Department of Mass Communication, were launched during the event.

The inauguration and awarding ceremony were attended by esteemed academics, including Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Senior Professor P. A. Paranagama, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, along with heads of other departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences, academic staff members of the Department of Mass Communication, other departments and other universities, and students from the Department of Mass Communication.

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