Vichar Manthan Session 1: ‘New Trends in Hindi Cinema’

The first knowledge-sharing session of ‘Vichar Manthan’, organized by the Department of Hindi Studies, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on 7 October 2026 at the Board Room of the Faculty of Humanities.

The inaugural session was titled ‘New Trends in Hindi Cinema’. The primary objective of the Vichar Manthan series is to facilitate robust knowledge sharing and the exchange of multidisciplinary field expertise among the academic staff.

Senior Lecturer Priyankara Rathnayake, Head of the Department of Drama, Cinema and Television, served as the principal resource person for the session. During his lecture, he provided an in-depth analysis of the recent thematic and technical trends transforming Hindi cinema and evaluated its evolving place within the broader Indian film industry.

The session witnessed active participation from the university community. Present at the event were Senior Lecturer Udeshika Perera, Head of the Department of Hindi Studies, alongside academic staff members of the Department and several other academics from the Faculty of Humanities. Undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Hindi as well as Film & Television Studies were also in attendance to gain valuable industry insights.

Sambhashana: Monthly Academic Lecture Series (2025–2026)

As part of the Sambhashana: Monthly Academic Lecture Series (2025–2026), a special lecture was successfully held on 29 September 2026 at the K14 101 Faculty Boardroom. The event was organized by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Kelaniya.

The lecture was delivered by Professor Sasanka Perera, who served as the distinguished resource person for the session. His presentation, titled ‘The Trajectory of Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Social Sciences and Humanities,’ offered a deep dive into the intersection of emerging technologies and traditional academic disciplines.

The session fostered critical discussions on how AI is shaping humanistic studies and social research, bridging the gap between technological advancement and critical thought.

Emeritus Professor Sarath Amunugama Felicitated at the University of Kelaniya

Emeritus Professor Sarath Amunugama, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, was felicitated at the Felicitation Ceremony for Former Vice-Chancellors of the University of Kelaniya, held on 23 September 2026 at the Senate Room of the University of Kelaniya.

At the ceremony, Professor Narada Fernando, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, presented a commemorative memento to Professor Amunugama in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the University.

Professor Amunugama commenced his academic career at the University of Kelaniya in 1979 and served the University until his retirement in 2015. During his distinguished career, he served as Professor of French and Senior Professor in French, Head of the Department of Modern Languages, and the 10th Dean of the Faculty of Humanities from 2001 to 2005. He subsequently served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

As Dean, he made significant contributions to the academic and institutional development of the Faculty, including the introduction of the modular system and the establishment of the Inter-Faculty Curriculum Coordination Centre (ICCMS). He also contributed extensively to postgraduate education, research, and academic collaboration. Beyond the University of Kelaniya, he served as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts.

The ceremony also felicitated four other distinguished former Vice-Chancellors of the University of Kelaniya: Emeritus Professor M. J. S. Wijeyarathna, Emeritus Professor Y. M. S. Madduma Bandara, Senior Professor D. M. Semasinghe, and Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, in recognition of their dedicated leadership and contributions to the advancement of the University.

China Council of Lions Clubs of Sichuan Province Donates Office Equipment and Teaching Resources to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya

A special Donation Ceremony, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, was held on 17th September 2026 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The ceremony featured the active participation of a distinguished delegation from the China Council of Lions Clubs, Sichuan Province, China, marking an important occasion in further strengthening educational and cultural cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.

During the event, the China Council of Lions Clubs donated an extensive collection of office equipment, teaching equipment, educational resources, and cultural materials to the Confucius Institute. These resources are specifically curated to enhance Chinese-language teaching and support ongoing cultural activities within the university.

The ceremony brought together university leaders and international dignitaries, including Professor Narada Fernando, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Dr. Udara De Silva, Head of the Department of Modern Languages; Ms. M. M. N. T. K. Yalagama, Acting Registrar; Professor Guan Pin, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute; and Dr. Kumari Jayasooriya, Sri Lankan Director of the Confucius Institute.

Representing China, the delegation featured key leadership including Captain Liu Huili, Chairman Li Xi, Director Ni Lisheng, Chairman Wang Li, Chairman Cai Zhixin, Secretary-General Huang Yongming, Chairman Cheng Cuiqin, Chairman Sheng Bin, Chairman Liu Qiu, Chairman Liu Hao, and Secretary-General Chen Xingbo. Lion Dr. Jeewantha Perera, District Governor of Lions District 306 D3, Sri Lanka, was also in attendance.

This generous donation is expected to contribute substantially to Chinese language education and cultural promotion at the University of Kelaniya, broadening students' horizons, expanding bilateral exchange opportunities, and deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Sri Lanka.

Senior Lecturer W. Udeshika Piumali Perera Assumes Duties as the Head of the Department of Hindi Studies

Senior Lecturer W. Udeshika Piumali Perera officially assumed duties as the Head of the Department of Hindi Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, with effect from August 1, 2026. The letter of appointment was formally handed over by Professor Narada Fernando, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on September 14, 2026. Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and the academic staff members of the Department of Hindi Studies, also participated in the occasion.

A distinguished alumna of the University of Kelaniya, Ms. Perera obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Hindi with First Class Honours in 2016. Her academic brilliance was recognised through three prestigious University of Kelaniya Gold Medals, rewarding her exceptional performance across the faculty and in Hindi specifically during the 2015/2016 examinations.

She subsequently completed a Master of Arts in Linguistics in 2023, alongside an impressive array of professional qualifications, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management & Leadership (OTHM, UK) and a Diploma in Translation & Interpretation. Since joining the Department as a Lecturer in 2018, she has made significant contributions to teaching, research, curriculum development, and academic administration.

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Perera has held critical operational and leadership roles. These include serving as the Department Coordinator for the Action Plan and Strategic Plan, Internal Quality Assurance Cell Coordinator, and Coordinator for the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree Internship Programme. Her dedication extends to student welfare as the Student Counsellor for the Faculty of Humanities, Academic Warden, Sub-warden, and Senior Treasurer of the Hindi Parishad.

The University community extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Perera and wishes her every success as she leads the Department of Hindi Studies in its continued pursuit of academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement.

Mr Milinda Tennakone, Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, Honoured with Best Music Direction Award at the 37th Sarasaviya Film Awards

At the 37th Prime – Sarasaviya Film Awards, held on September 9, 2026, at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, Mr Milinda Tennakone received the Award for Best Music Direction for his contribution to the film Ayu. The award was presented in recognition of his work among the 38 Sinhala films released in 2025.

Following the prestigious win, Mr Milinda Tennakone, Lecturer at the Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya, met with Professor Narada Fernando, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on September 14, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office to share the achievement.

Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and Ms Dulanga Gunarathna, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Fine Arts, were also present on the occasion to extend their congratulations.

Mr Milinda Tennakone is an accomplished music director who has contributed to numerous acclaimed films, including Aloko Udapadi, Viyasiduru, Sihina Nelum Mal, and Kawuruth Danne Na. He has received several accolades throughout his career, including Presidential and State Awards for Best Music Direction on multiple occasions.

The 37th Prime – Sarasaviya Film Awards, jointly organised by Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. and the Sarasaviya newspaper, was held under the theme ‘Taruṇa Sinamāvē Aruṇōdaya’. The awards ceremony recognised the best in Sinhala cinema, with more than 50 awards presented across 34 competitive categories.

Kelaniya Sinhala-Hindi Dictionary Presented to the Vice-Chancellor

A copy of the first Sinhala-Hindi dictionary compiled by Senior Professor Lakshman Seneviratne of the Department of Hindi, University of Kelaniya, was presented to Professor Narada Fernando, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on September 3, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The milestone event was also attended by Senior Lecturer Udeshika Perera, Head (Acting) of the Department of Hindi Studies.

Although nearly eight decades have passed since Hindi education formally began in Sri Lanka, a dedicated Sinhala-Hindi dictionary had remained unavailable for students and scholars. Addressing this critical academic need, Senior Professor Lakshman Seneviratne meticulously compiled and published this comprehensive volume.

The newly launched dictionary serves as an invaluable resource for language learners, providing accurate Hindi meanings for approximately 50,000 Sinhala words. Furthermore, it enriches cross-cultural linguistic studies by detailing Hindi equivalents for around 700 Sinhala idioms and proverbs.

The University of Kelaniya holds the unique distinction of being the only university in Sri Lanka with a dedicated department for teaching Hindi. In recognition of this enduring institutional legacy, the prestigious name “Kelaniya” has been proudly incorporated into the title of the dictionary, published by Samayawardhana Books.