The inauguration of the “International Seminar on Social Issues and Challenges in Current Scenario – A Multi-Disciplinary Approach (ISSICCS 2024),” organized by the Research Center of Social Science (RCSS), Faculty of Social Science, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the Villupuram Historical Research Centre, Tamil Nadu, India, and Sociology of Sports, Indian Sociological Society, New Delhi, India,

was successfully held under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Chief Patron, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 6th of December 2024 at the Main Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. Accordingly, the first phase of the conference was held in Sri Lanka from 06th to 08th of December while the second phase is planned to be held from 09th to 12th of December in India.

The seminar aimed to create a platform for the dissemination and exchange of innovative research addressing pressing social, historical, cultural, and economic challenges. It brought together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to collaboratively analyze contemporary issues and develop actionable solutions.

Professor Dr. Ankuran Dutta, Director, Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, graced the event as the chief guest, while Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, Patron and Director of RCSS, University of Kelaniya, honoured the event as the Guest of Honour. Other honourable guests included Dr. B. Moazami Goodazi, Cultural Counsellor, Iran Cultural Centre, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka; Dr. J. B. Krishnan, Associate Professor in History, Annamalai University, India; Dr. J. Muthukumar, Associate Professor in History, Annamalai University, India; and Dr. Sridhar S., Assistant Professor in History, Annamalai University, India.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. B. Moazami Goodazi, providing a compelling exploration of cultural dynamics and their implications for addressing current social challenges. Additionally, Professor Dr. Ankuran Dutta, Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, and Dr. J. B. Krishnan also addressed the gathering. Moreover, the Abstract Volume was also released during the event.

The event fostered vibrant discussions and interdisciplinary engagement, offering participants a valuable opportunity to exchange research findings, ideas and insights. Senior Professor Karunathilake, Head of the Department of Sociology, acted as the Organizing Secretary, while Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, served as the Convener.

Further, the event also witnessed the participation of Professor V. D. N. S. Gunawardhana, Professor in History, University of Kelaniya; Dr. K. R. N. Harshani and Dr. Kumudu Sumedha, Editorial Committee Members of ISSICCS 2024; academic and non-academic staff of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and presenters. See More

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