Faculty News

A Printmaking Workshop organized by the Visual Arts and Design Students Society (Vista) of the Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the Department of Printmaking, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, was held on 22nd of February 2025 at the Senake Bandaranayake Premises, University of Kelaniya.

This workshop aimed at enhancing students' technical skills in the art-making process with printmaking as a medium to convey emotion and meaning. After an introduction to Traditional printmaking techniques such as woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, two practical sessions covered essential Mono print and Wood-cut printmaking techniques. 40 students of the Department of Fine Arts had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in printmaking tools and techniques during this workshop.

The workshop was conducted jointly by Senior Lecturer Mahesh Tharanga Kodikara and Lecturer Jayantha Pushpakumara of the Department of Printmaking, University of the Visual and Performing Arts. Temporary Assistant Lecturers of the Department of Printmaking, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Ms. Sanduni Chiranthika Madushani and Irushi Chanika Nishshanka assisted the students during the workshop.

Senior Lecturer Asitha Amarakoon, Senior Treasurer of the Visual Arts and Design Students Society (Vista), Temporary Assistant Lecturer Eranga Chamara, and Junior Fellow Nadeeshani Gallage of the Department of Fine Arts were also present at the event. This event was organized under the guidance of the Senior Lecturer Ms. Lanka de Silva, Head of the Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya.

A significant milestone was reached with the signing of the Trust Deed related to the Foreign Students' Hostel at the University of Kelaniya, on the 21st of February 2025. The event took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, in the presence of distinguished guests from both the university and the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies.

Representing the university, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar signed the Trust Deed, signifying the university’s commitment to enhancing the facilities for international students. Similarly, Most Ven. Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero, Chairperson of the Trust Deed and Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Chair Senior Professor Most Ven. Nabirittankadawara Gnanaratana Thero; Senior Lecturer Dr. Amila Kaluarachchi; and Senior Lecturer Most Ven. Muwapetigewela Pagnaloka Thero signed the Trust Deed representing the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies.

Additionally, Mrs. Madhushi Hettige, Attorney-at-Law, played a key role in the proceedings, ensuring the legal formalities were properly executed. Other esteemed members of the department also attended, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind this initiative.

The signing of the Trust Deed is a critical step in supporting the growing number of foreign students at the University of Kelaniya and underscores the institution’s dedication to providing world-class educational experiences. This occasion marks a new chapter in fostering international academic relations and enhancing student accommodation facilities at the university.

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Kelaniya hosted initial discussions on a proposed institutional collaboration to digitally scan the Mirror Wall at Sigiriya on the 19th of February 2025. The meeting was attended by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Ven. Dr. Kapugollawe Anandakiththi Thero, Head of the Department of Linguistics, alongside distinguished foreign scholar Dr. Divya Kumar-Dumas, Director of the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) at New York University (NYU). Also present was Professor Mangala Katugampola at the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya.

The collaboration, initiated between ISAW’s Sigiriya Spatial and Landscape Data Collaboration (SSLDC), University of Kelaniya, and the Centre for Heritage Conservation Studies and Technologies (KDWT) at the University of Bamberg (Germany), aimed to develop a comprehensive digital scan of sections of the Mirror Wall at Sigiriya. The project will create a complete digital proxy of the Mirror Wall, preserving all of its inscribed graffiti.

This discussion marked the first step in the initiative, and it was agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed between the collaborating institutions to formalize the partnership and proceed with the implementation of the project.

The 7th annual Humanities Undergraduate Research Symposium - HUG 2024, organized by the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on the 18th and 19th of February 2025.

This year’s symposium focused on the theme “Sustainable Humanities – What Lies Ahead”. The inauguration ceremony of the event was held on the 18th of February at the Sri Dharmaloka Hall.

The event was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, as the chief guest. Senior Professor Maithree Wickremasinghe, Chair Professor of English, delivered a very insightful keynote speech on the theme at the event. Other honourable guests, included Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Heads of the Departments of the Faculty of Humanities; and academic and non-academic staff of the Faculty of Humanities.

Nearly 550 abstracts were presented at the symposium, and the presentation sessions were spread out over two days in 67 parallel sessions covering several tracks, including languages and literature, cultural studies, fine arts, language teaching, linguistics, religious studies, Vastu shastra, and education.

It is certain that this year’s symposium undoubtedly set the stage for scholarly discussions that helped broaden the academic horizons of the Undergraduates of the Faculty of Humanities.