The Research Library and Information Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, organized a workshop titled "Academic Integrity and Efficiency: Harnessing Mendeley for Effective Reference Management" for the academic staff of the faculty. This session was held on the 11^th of November 2024 at the Faculty Board Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The workshop aimed to enhance research skills by emphasizing the role of literature in research and the essential practices of organizing bibliographies and managing citations.

Mrs. Dilhani Munasinghe, Senior Assistant Librarian Grade I at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, and currently a Senior Lecturer on sabbatical at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, conducted an insightful workshop on the topic.

The session fostered a deeper practical understanding of the critical role of reference management tools in producing high-quality academic research, particularly in the field of Social Sciences.

Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Senior Lecturer R. M. Nadeeka Rathnabahu, Director of the Research Library and Information Centre, graced the occasion. See More

Cadre Chair and Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, was awarded the title of Best Original Academic and Research Texts of the Year 2023 for his work Low-Density Urbanism, at the State Literary Awards 2024. The prestigious awarding ceremony was held on the 27^th of November 2024 at the Temple Trees premises, Colombo 03. A renowned scholar in Anthropology, Archaeology, and Tourism, Senior Professor Gunawardhana is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to research and academia. His remarkable achievements have garnered recognition within the university and beyond, including his earlier distinction as Best Researcher in the Faculty of Social Sciences (2006–2009) at the Vice Chancellor’s Awards. The University of Kelaniya takes immense pride in Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana's accomplishments, which continue to inspire academic excellence.

The China-Sri Lanka Academic Exchange Workshop, hosted by the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 21^st of November 2024 at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The main objective of the event was to foster knowledge-sharing and explore the theme of "Connectivity-Led (Regional) Developmentalism in the Turbulent Era."

The workshop began with a meeting between the delegates and Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya to discuss potential avenues for academic collaboration between Sri Lanka and China. The meeting was held at the Vice-chancellor’s office.

The event was spearheaded by Cadre Chair and Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri, Head of the Department of Geography, and featured Professor Zhigao Liu from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, as the chief guest. Professor Zhigao Liu delivered an honorary speech on “Connectivity-Led Developmentalism in the Turbulent Era,” emphasizing China's developmental initiatives.

The program also included a series of lectures and presentations. Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, Professor V. D. N. S. Gunawardhana, Dr. Malsha Mayoshi, and Lecturer (Probationary) K. Nishanthi from the Faculty of Social Sciences delivered insightful lectures on the Sri Lanka-China relationship, Evolution of development in Sri Lanka and Labor Infrastructure, while Mr. Jingxiang Feng, Ph.D. Candidate from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) presented key aspects of Regional Development Strategies in China Since 2000.

The workshop facilitated Chinese scholarship opportunities, and meaningful discussions on academic exchange and collaboration, highlighting the importance of bilateral relationships in education and research. It served as a platform for fostering international partnerships and strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and China in the field of geography and social sciences.

The event also witnessed the participation of the staff of the Department of Geography and a few staff members from the Faculty of Social Sciences. See More

The “MACO Social Bridge,” an annual social work initiative by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, has reached new heights this year by introducing the transformative medium of community filmmaking to rural Sri Lanka.

This year’s project, an integral part of the Mass Communication Honours Degree program, aimed to empower the people of Yakunnawa Maha Vidyalaya in Monaragala and neighboring villages, celebrating their cultural heritage while addressing social challenges through storytelling.  

The project began with a preliminary visit to Yakunnawa on the 2^nd of October, setting the groundwork for a collaborative effort. On 10th and 11^th of October, the first major activity: a two-day filmmaking workshop, was conducted by the department’s lecturers. It brought together students and local villagers to explore the essentials of filmmaking, covering concept development, scriptwriting, camera techniques, acting, and directing.  

Building on this foundation, the second phase focused on the actual production of a community-driven film. A production team visited Bibile on the 4^th of November to scout locations and conduct a casting session with local residents. This was followed by logistical preparations by a dedicated team on the 7^th of November. The main filming took place on 9^th and 10^th of November, with active participation from community members. Villagers not only acted in the film but also took on critical roles in concept ideation, storyline development, camera work, coordination, and production management.  

The entire project was overseen by Senior Lecturer Dr. Mangala Pasqual and Lecturer Ileka Ruwanpathirana, who provided expert guidance and ensured its success.  In addition, Senior Lecturer Darshana Somarathne, Assistant Lecturer Dimuthu Chathuranga Jinasena, Assistant Lecturer Sathushka Jayawardana, and Assistant Lecturer Mahesha Withanage made valuable contributions, providing resources and support for its success.

By using filmmaking as a medium for empowerment, the “MACO Social Bridge” has equipped rural communities with the skills to share their stories, celebrate their culture, and raise awareness about local issues. See More