Commemorating World Tourism Day 2024, aligning with the theme of ‘Tourism and Peace, ’ the Tourism Club, Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya proudly organized a series of events on the 27th of September 2024 at the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The event was scheduled for two phases, where the morning session featured Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoji Harischandra, Head of the Department of Philosophy, University of Kelaniya, disseminating knowledge on ‘Tourism and Peace’. Most prominently, during this event, the Tourism Club of the University of Kelaniya launched the ‘Journal of Tourism’, expanding the interest of undergraduates in tourism-based research.

The evening session was conducted by Mrs. Manusha Weerawardena, Trainer/Consultant of Grooming at the Colombo School of Etiquette workshop on ‘Etiquette and Grooming’ delivering a practical demonstration for the undergraduates.

Senior Prof. M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences honoured the event as the Chief Guest, while Senior Lecturer Mrs. Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, Chair/Senior Prof. Prishanta Gunawardhana, Senior Prof. Anura Manatunga, Prof. Herath Madana Bandara and other academic staff members of the Department of Archeology graced the event.  

The program was sponsored by Ms. Madhumali Wijethunga, Founder, Director and CEO of Steeple Tours (Pvt) Ltd, Makola, Kiribathgoda.

This event was an enriching experience, highlighting the importance of tourism in fostering peace and cultural understanding. See More

Following the successful fifth annual meeting among the University of Kelaniya, Kanazawa University, and Chukyo University, Japan, a formal meeting was held by the Japanese delegates with Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on 5^th of September 2024 at the Vice-chancellor’s office.

The Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Professor Tetsuya Sagawa from Kanazawa University, Professor Shohei Kokudo, Professor Tohiru Koizo, and Professor Takahiro Nakano from Chukyo University, had an extensive discussion.

This meeting underscored the growing collaboration between the three institutions and focused on the future of their academic partnerships. During the meeting, the Japanese delegates expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering support in strengthening the relationship between the universities. They also shared their interest in establishing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, and the Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences and the School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University. This MoU aims to initiate a student exchange programme that would benefit students from both institutions.

The Vice-chancellor warmly acknowledged the efforts of both the Japanese delegates and the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, praising the progress made in fostering international academic collaboration. She also provided valuable guidance on the steps needed to facilitate the student exchange programme under the existing MoU between Kanazawa University and the University of Kelaniya. She offered specific advice on the procedures for the proposed MoU with Chukyo University.

This meeting further solidified the commitment of all three universities to deepen their collaboration in the fields of sport science, physical education, and student mobility, ensuring that students and faculty benefit from the international exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Senior Lecturer M. K. A. Anoma Rathnayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Kelaniya, and the academic staff of the same department participated in the discussion. Senior Lecturer Dr. Charika Wickramaratne, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, was the coordinator of the event. See More

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Kelaniya and the La Trobe University regarding the training and research related to the Polonnaruwa Archaeological, Anthropological Urban Landscape Project (PAAULP) on the 15^th of August 2024, at the Vice-chancellor’s Office of the University of Kelaniya, after the conclusion of Fieldwork Season 2 of the PAAULP.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, signed the MoU on behalf of the University of Kelaniya, while Dr. Keir Strickland of the La Trobe University, signed on behalf of the La Trobe University, Australia.

PAAULP is a collaborative project implemented by the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya and the Department of Archaeology and History of La Trobe University, Australia. The project aims to promote the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Quality Education; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Partnerships to Achieve the Goal.

The signing of the MoU was followed by the Certificate Awarding Ceremony, which marked the conclusion of the PAAULP, and the event was held on the same day at the Faculty of Social Sciences premises.

Students of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, who participated in the Fieldwork Season 2 and other participants of the project were awarded certificates at the event.

The Certificate Awarding Ceremony was graced by the participation of Senior Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Keir Strickland of the La Trobe University and Chair & Senior Prof. Prishanta Gunawardhana of Archeology, University of Kelaniya, CO-Directors of the PAAULP project, and Senior Professor Anura Manathunge of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya addressed the gathering.

Present at the occasion were the staff members and the students of the Department of Archeology of the University of Kelaniya. Read More

The Department of Geography of the University of Kelaniya participated in the “Climate Tank Accelerator” program, a transformative initiative addressing the pressing issue of climate change in South Asia. The event was held on the 28^th of August 2024, at the Vice-chancellor’s Office, University of Kelaniya.

The program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, empowers university students with the knowledge and tools necessary for fostering leadership and action on climate justice.

Out of approximately 100 Geography students who successfully completed the online certificate course on 'Climate Change,' two teams, each consisting of 4 students, have advanced to the second phase of the program. These teams presented their project proposals at the occasion and were selected through a rigorous proposal review process, and each secured a cash award of $200 to initiate their innovative project ideas focused on mitigating the impacts of climate change.

"Climate Tank Accelerator" continues to serve as a platform for fostering student leadership in climate action, and the Department of Geography is excited to support these students as they embark on their project journeys. This achievement highlights the department's commitment to empowering students to actively contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change.

The event was graced by the participation of Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Prof. Lal Mervin Dhammasiri, Chair Head of Geography; Dr. Saseeka Wijesekara of the Department of Geography; Mr. Indunil Ranwella, Lecturer and Project Coordinator; and Miss Nishadi, Country Coordinator of the Seeds of Peace organization.

Team 01 consisted of the members K. A. C. P. Kodippiliarachchi, T. M. A. K. Thennakoon, A. V. Hapuarachchi, and M. M. Savindu Dilshara, while Team 02 consisted of the members W. M. S. N. Senewirathne, E. S. Sewmini, B. P. Edirisinghe, and Shanika Sewwandi. Read More