In 2014, the Department of Sociology embarked on a transformative journey by introducing the Higher Diploma in Correction and Rehabilitation for Prison Officers (HDCR) and the Diploma in Correction and Rehabilitation for Prison Officers (DCRP). Spearheaded by Professor Geethani Amaratunga, this initiative aimed to enhance the professional capabilities of prison officers, ensuring a more effective and humane approach to correctional practices.

The founding coordinators, Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, and Senior Lecturer Sudeera Jayaweera played pivotal roles in shaping the programs until 2023, laying a strong foundation for their continued success. Recently, on the 7^th of April 2024, an inauguration program marked the commencement of the new batches, the 3^rd batch for HDCR and the 6^th batch for DCRP at the Social Sciences Auditorium of the University of Kelaniya. This event heralded a new chapter, with Senior Lecturer Indika Rajapaksha and Lecturer Auchithya Rathnayake taking over as the coordinators, poised to lead the programs to greater heights.

Organized by the Department of Sociology, the inauguration was graced by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor M. M. Gunatilake, as the guest of honor. Professor Praneeth Abhayasundara from the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation in the correctional system.

The presence of Mr. Ajith Basnayake, the Commissioner of Prisons, highlighted the collaboration between academia and the prison service, underscoring the commitment to improve correctional practices. Professor D. M. Ubesekara and Senior Professor K. Karunathilake also shared their insights, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning and professional development in the field.

The event was a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of correction and rehabilitation education for prison officers. Senior Lecturer Anoma Rathnayake, the Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, and the lecturers of the Department of Sociology joined in celebrating this milestone, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the programs and their broader impact on society. Read More

The Sport and Rhythm, Staff Development Program was held on the 6^th of March 2024 at the Indoor Stadium of GYM, University of Kelaniya with the participation of the Temporary Assistant Lectures and Demonstrators of the Faculty of Social Sciences as a collaboration with GYM, University of Kelaniya.

Coordinator of the program was Dr. Chamila Siriwardene, SDC Cooordinator to the Faculty of Social Sciences and Senior Lecturer Ms. Anoma Rathnayaka, Head of the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya was the Resource Person. Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya graced the program as the Chief Guest.

The Faculty of Social Sciences specially thanks Professor Ravi Dissanyake, Director of the Staff Development Centre, Mr. G. G. U. Saman Kumara, Director of the Physical Education Unit, Dr. Manoji Harishchandra, Head of the Department of Philosophy, Mr. H. D. S. P. Wijayagunaratne, Instructor in Physical Education, Ms. G. A. S. G. Godamune, Ms. H. M. K. T. Karunarathna and Team and the Aerobic Team Undergraduates (Ms. K. E. M. Rashmi Shravindya Ekanayaka, Mr. M. P. Manindu Nethmina, and Ms. B. L. Imashi Anuththara).     

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The higher diploma and diploma awarding ceremony of the Higher Diploma in Communication and Public Relations, Diploma in Mass Communication, and Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, offered by the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 3^rd of March 2024 at Sri Dharmaloka Hall.

The HDCPR, DIMC, and DPMM programs focus on providing specialized skills and practical knowledge in areas related to mass communication, media, and public relations, ensuring students are well-prepared to excel in their chosen careers upon completion.

Mr. Anura Siriwardena, Managing Director of Voice of Asia Network and Chairman of Global CEO Magazine graced the event as the keynote speaker. With extensive experience in media management and public relations, Mr. Siriwardena delivered an insightful speech focusing on the evolving landscape of media management and public relations in today’s world. His address provided invaluable insights and guidance to the diploma holders, setting the tone for their future endeavors in the industry.

Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Senior Lecturer Wijayananda Rupasinghe, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Senior Lecturer  Amali Uthpala Nandasiri, Coordinator of the Higher Diploma in Communication and Public Relations, Lecturer Ileka Ruwanpathirana, Coordinator of the Diploma in Mass Communication, Lecturer Dilini Gamage, Coordinator of the Diploma in Public Relations and Media Management, other academic staff members of the Department of Mass Communication, and members of the external resource panel, non-academic staff members and diploma holders attended the event.

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The first field season of the three-year collaborative research project on Polonnaruwa Archaeology and Anthropology Urban Landscape Project, conducted collaboratively by the Department of Archaeology of the University of Kelaniya and La Trobe University of Australia, took place from the 4^th of February 2024 to the 24^th of February 2024 at the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa.

During the project’s first field season, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Auguring technologies were employed. The GPR data showed information about many widely distributed buildings, furnaces, ponds, and walls in the Central Urban area of the citadel. The auguring examination identified soil layers containing cultural evidence.

Archaeological excavations are planned for next July to learn more about the observed sites. This research was conducted under the direction of Senior Professor and Chair of Archaeology Prishanta Gunawardhana, University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Keir Strickland from La Trobe University in Australia.

A one-day workshop to discuss the results of this research project was also held on the 26^th of February 2024 at the Research Center of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Kelaniya. Senior Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana, Dr. Keir Strickland, Senior Professor Anura Manatunga, Professor A. G.  Amarasinghe, Director of Research Center, and Senior Professor Jagath Weerasinghe addressed in the inauguration session. Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana, Dr Keir Strickland, Paul Penzo–Kajewski, Bradley Yon, Senior Lecturer Harendra Lal Namalgamuwa, Senior Lecturer Umanga Rammungoda, Hiruni Pamalka, Jayampath Senanayaka (PGIAR) presented research papers of the results of the project. At the end of the workshop, certificates were awarded to all those who participated in the research project.