The Research Library & Information Center of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, successfully organized the first session of the Learn to Learn Workshop Series under the theme “Get Involved: Your University Life and Career”. The workshop was held on 17th September 2025 at the K14 Auditorium, Faculty of Humanities.

The resource person for the session was Dr. K. R. N. Harshani, Director of Kalana Mithuru Sevana, University of Kelaniya.

The program was designed to guide undergraduates in making the most of their university experience while preparing for future career opportunities. Through this session, students gained valuable insights on balancing academic, extracurricular, and professional development activities to achieve holistic growth during their time at the University.

This workshop marked the beginning of a series of interactive sessions aimed at equipping students with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for their academic journey and career readiness.

An awareness program for school children, organized by the Department of Mass Communication in collaboration with the Communication and Media Unit of the University of Kelaniya, was held on September 11, 2025, at Ruhunu Vijayaba National College, Beliatta, in the Tangalle Educational Zone. The program was conducted under the theme “Mental Health and Media Practices of School Children.”

Two lectures were delivered during the program. Senior Lecturer Dr. Mangala Pasqual presented an insightful session on “Understanding the Digital Media Space,” while Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, spoke on “Digital Media Usage and Its Impact.”

The event was attended by Senior Lecturer Saman Rajapaksha, Director of the Communication and Media Unit; academic staff members of the Department of Mass Communication; staff members of the Communication and Media Unit; and third-year undergraduates of the BA (Hons) in Mass Communication and BA (Hons) in Public Relations and Media Management degree programs.

The third phase of the Giribawa-Pabalugala Archaeological Research Project, jointly implemented by the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, and the Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka, was successfully conducted from 14th August to 2nd September 2025 at the Giribawa-Pabalugala Archaeological Reserve in the Kurunegala District.

The project, launched in 2022 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, has been carried out in phases due to its archaeological and historical importance. The first phase began in 2022, followed by the second phase in 2024. The objectives of the second phase were to examine the distribution of archaeological material in the area, identify the period to which the archaeological reserve belongs, and study the functioning of furnaces used for glass bead production. Through these objectives, researchers were able to confirm that the furnaces date back to the 2nd–5th centuries AD and to gain an understanding of approximately 70–80% of the archaeological distribution of the archaeological reserve.

The third phase was launched to further confirm the archaeological distribution and to obtain a deeper understanding of the functioning of the bead-making furnaces. Another key objective was to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of protecting the site, given the high risk of destruction faced by such archaeologically significant places. In line with this, an awareness program was organized in collaboration with all schools of the Giribawa educational zone. Numerous students visited the site and were given practical insights into how to do an excavation, the significance of archaeological sites, and the importance of protecting them.

This phase was supported both scientifically and financially by Sichuan University, China, which contributed a team of six researchers, including two professors, led by Associate Professor Fan Jianan from the Sichuan University. The School of History and Culture, Sichuan University; Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute; and the Chengdu Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute also extended their support to this phase of the project. The Sri Lankan team was led by Professor Mangala Katugampola, Director of the Giribawa-Pabalugala Archaeological Research Project. In addition, second-year undergraduates of the BA (Hons) in Archaeology degree program and students of the MA in Archaeology program at the University of Kelaniya actively participated in the research project.

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.