The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Kelaniya, took the initiative to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 3^rd, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Globally, IDSDP is observed annually on April 6th, and for 2025, the theme is "Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion."

To mark the occasion, the Department organized a thought-provoking lecture series featuring three distinguished speakers. Senior Lecturer Oshadhi Herath from the Department of Philosophy delivered a lecture on “Peacebuilding and Its Contemporary Challenges,” while Professor Nishan Sakalasooriya from the Department of Geography spoke on “Human Development and Its Challenges.” Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education addressed the theme of the year with a presentation on “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion.”

The event was organized by students from the Sport and Recreation Management (SRMG) degree program under the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, branded as "An SRMG Event."

Additionally, the event witnessed the presence of the academic staff members of the university, including the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, and students.

The Public Relations and Media Management Students' Association of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, successfully hosted the 'AI for Future Career Development' workshop on April 1st, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The workshop was organized to provide insights on using AI technology to develop a future career for undergraduates at the Department of Mass Communication. This initiative was the third workshop of a broader workshop series aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of Public Relations and Media Management students.

The event featured two distinguished resource persons specializing in AI-driven career paths. Mr. K. D. Jayakody, a Software Engineer and Content Creator, led the first session on 'Using AI for Educational Purposes, offering valuable insights into AI's role in academic and professional learning. Mr. Kalana Sugeeshwara, a social media content creator and freelance graphic designer, conducted the second session on 'AI-Assisted Content Creation for Social Media,' sharing practical applications of AI in digital content development.

The workshop witnessed the presence of lecturers from the Public Relations and Media Management degree program, along with the undergraduates of the department. The engaging sessions provided students with firsthand knowledge and industry perspectives on integrating AI into their future careers.

The novel The Dark Holds No Terrors by Shashi Deshpande, an Indian Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author, has been translated into Sinhalese as Rudura Nodarana Aňdura by Professor Dilma Thushari Koggalage of the Department of History, University of Kelaniya. The book was officially launched on March 27, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The event was organized by the Department of History, University of Kelaniya.

On this occasion, award-winning veteran writer Kathleen Jayawardena and Mr. Dhamma Dissanayake, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Colombo, delivered special lectures.

The event was further graced by the presence of the distinguished guests, including Senior Professor Sudath R.D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and the academic staff of the Department of History, University of Kelaniya.

The national conference “Becoming a Man in Sri Lanka: Understanding Post-Compulsory Education Trajectories in Sri Lanka,” organised by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya in collaboration with Newcastle University, UK, was held on March 26, 2025, at the Faculty Board Room, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The conference focused on the declining enrolment of young men in higher education and its broader societal implications.

Chaired by Dr. Achala Abeykoon, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, the event featured insightful speeches delivered by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Dr. Chris Haywood, Reader in Critical Masculinity Studies at Newcastle University, UK, graced the event as the keynote speaker, while other guest speakers included Dr. Sujatha Gamage, an Education Policy Expert; Prof. Nirmal Devasiri, a Professor in History; and Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, a Biodiversity Scientist.

Dr. Chris Haywood and Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya, presented their research findings, emphasising a participatory approach to understanding why young men are disengaging from postcompulsory education. Through interactive sessions, audience members contributed their perspectives, identifying key barriers such as lack of encouragement, economic constraints, a perception that university education is a waste of time, and the attraction of vocational training. The study also explored masculinity narratives, addressing whether young men are deterred by an "over-feminised" education system or societal expectations of masculinity.

The discussion expanded to policy implications with insights from Dr. Sujata Gamage, a policy analyst. She stressed the importance of small but impactful policy changes, suggesting that vocational training should be integrated into all schools to create more diverse educational pathways. She also pointed out that while gender-neutral policies exist, the real challenge lies in addressing deeply ingrained societal perceptions of education and employment.

Professor Nirmal Dewasiri provided a historical perspective on education in Sri Lanka, tracing its evolution from independence to the present day. He highlighted the shift in social expectations, labour market changes, and structural inequalities that have contributed to the declining interest of young men in university education. The growing reliance on tuition classes, disparities between urban and rural education systems, and limited job opportunities for graduates were among the key factors discussed.

Renowned biodiversity scientist Rohan Pethiyagoda explored cognitive differences between boys and girls, noting that globally, boys tend to underperform in school while excelling in certain specialised fields. He questioned whether schools are over-feminized and whether alternative educational structures could better support boys’ learning patterns.

The findings from the research were presented not only to policymakers but also to the data contributors, ensuring a holistic discussion that incorporated both research insights and lived experiences. As a conclusion to this study, a comprehensive report will be compiled, providing policy recommendations and potential amendments to address the challenges identified in the research.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion led by Dr. Chris Haywood and Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, summarising key insights and opening avenues for further research.

Additionally, the event was also attended by distinguished academics, policymakers, and researchers, including Professor Sunanda Madduma Bandara, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication along with the heads of the other departments of the university; academic staff members; and students of the Department of Mass Communication.