Dr. Nilantha Dinesh Ramanayaka, Senior Lecturer (Grade II), officially assumed duties as the Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, on the 17th of March 2025. His appointment letter was formally handed over by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, at the Vice-Chancellor's Office. The appointment became effective on the 15^th of March 2025.

Dr. Ramanayaka brings over 15 years of experience in teaching and academic administration at the University of Kelaniya. Apart from his teaching responsibilities, he has made significant contributions to the university community, serving as a member of the Faculty Ethical Review Committee, Faculty Webmaster (2008–2011), and Student Counsellor in 2013.

In terms of academic qualifications, Dr. Ramanayaka holds a PhD in Behavioural Economics/Sport Management from La Trobe University, Australia (2024). He also obtained his MPhil, MA, and BA in Economics from the University of Kelaniya.

As an academic, Dr. Ramanayaka is actively engaged in research and has published his findings in reputed peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the fields of Behavioural Sports Economics, Sports Marketing, and the application of Cognitive Psychology in Sport. He has also participated in numerous international conferences, enhancing his expertise in Sport Management. Furthermore, he is a member of the North American Association of Sports Economists (NAASE).

At the national level, Dr. Ramanayaka has contributed as a resource person for several government institutions, including the National Institute of Social Development (NISD), Sri Lanka, and the University of Ruhuna. He has also shared his expertise with Economics teachers across Sri Lanka, serving as a resource person in teacher training workshops organized by the Department of Education (Isurupaya).

Additionally, the event was also attended by the academic staff members of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Kelaniya and the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) on the 14^th of March 2025 at the Vice-Chancellor's office.

The primary objective of this MoU is to recognize and harness mutual opportunities between the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Kelaniya and PRASL. This collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the development of public relations education, enhance the knowledge base of the discipline, and foster professional growth within the PR industry in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Mushthak Ahamed, President of PRASL; Mr. Ashan Kumar, Vice President of PRASL; Mr. Ashan Jayatilaka, Secretary of PRASL; and Ms. Rezani Aziz, Director of PRASL signed the MoU representing the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka, while Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication; and Dr. Manoj Jinadasa, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication signed on behalf of the university.

Additionally, Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Lecturer (Probationary) Dasini Madurasinghe, Subject Coordinator of PRMM degree program, were also present at the occasion.

A workshop conducted for schoolchildren as part of "Sanjani 2025: Communication and Public Relations Festival,” organized by the Department of Mass Communication, University of Kelaniya was successfully held on the 6^th of March 2025 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

The workshop was organized by the undergraduates of the Association of Public Relations and Media Management, University of Kelaniya, under the supervision of the academic staff members of the Department of Mass Communication.

Conducted under the theme “Contemporary Media Trends,” the workshop aimed to enhance students' understanding of modern media trends and their practical applications. A total of 200 A/L students, who study Communication and Media Studies, and teachers from 30 schools participated in the event.

The workshop featured insightful lectures by esteemed academics. Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoj Jinadasa delivered a lecture on “Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI,” while Senior Lecturer Dr. Mangala Keerthi de Pasqual spoke on “Artificial Intelligence and Contemporary Media Trends.” Additionally, Mr. Dimuthu Jinasena, Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Mass Communication, conducted a session on "Artificial Intelligence and Practical Usage."

The event was interactive, featuring a short film screening and a Quiz Competition, where winners were awarded prizes. All students received a certificate of participation at the end of the event.