Ceremony of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025

The Ceremony of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards of the University of Kelaniya was successfully held under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 1st of January 2026 at the Sri Dharmaloka Hall of the University.

The prime objective of the Ceremony, which has been held annually since 2007, was to appreciate the service of the academic & non-academic staff members during the previous year and encourage them further.

The following academic staff members of the Faculty of Humanities were commended at the ceremony:

Professor Eisha Hewabowala from the Department of English: Emeritus Professor Award

Ven. Professor Malwane Chandraratana Thero from the Department of Sinhala, Senior Professor Dilkushi Wettewa from the Department of English Language Teaching, and Senior Professor Swarna Ihalagama from the Department of Sinhala: Bronze Plated Medals and Certificates for 25 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category

Most Ven. Senior Professor Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero from the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Cadre Chair and Senior Professor Upul Ranjith Hewawitanagamage from the Department of Hindi Studies, and Senior Professor Uditha Garusinghe from the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies: Silver Plated Medals and Certificates for 30 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category

Cadre Chair and Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake from the Department of Drama, Cinema, and Television: Gold Plated Medal and Certificate for 35 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category 

Senior Lecturer Jayamal de Silva of the Department of Linguistics (Web Master of the Faculty): Commendation under the Best Faculty Website category

Senior Lecturer Upul Jayantha Ranepura from the Department of Drama, Cinema, and Television: Web Category of the Outstanding Service for the Classroom Booking System 

Senior Lecturer Hasara Dasuni Hirimuthugoda from the Department of Hindi Studies (Web Master of the Department): Commendation under the Best Department Website category

Dr Kumari Jayasooriya Menike from the Department of Modern Languages: Commendation in recognition of receiving the Regional World Sinologists Conference Organization Award presented by the World Sinology Centre of Beijing Language and Culture University, China

Senior Professor N. A. K. P. J. Seneviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC); Deans of Faculties; Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies; Acting Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaelogy; Librarian; Registrar; and Bursar were among the participants of this special ceremony. All the awards, medals, and certificates were distributed by the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva.