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N E W S L E T T E R

March 2016

ISSN No: 2478-1045

Please send us your news to be published:

Librarian

University of Colombo

P.O. Box 1698

Colombo 07

Sri Lanka

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

0112583043

mailto:[email protected]

The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016

This Newsletter Includes.......

1. Research, Conferences and Workshops

2. Community Development Projects

3. Awards

4. Achievements

5. Convocation and Award Ceremonies

6. Publications

7. Cultural Events

8. International Affairs

9. Industry Collaborations

10. Sports

11. News

12. Announcements

All the Directors, Deans, Heads of

Departments, all the academic and

administrative staff are greatly appreciated

for providing information for this newsletter.

Disclaimer:

While every effort is taken to ensure that the

information provided in this newsletter is

correct and accurate, the editors wish to inform

the readers that neither they nor the publisher

is responsible for any inaccuracy or lack of

correctness in the information provided.

The editors also wish to inform the readers that

this is not an official document which creates

any rights or obligation, legal or otherwise,

binding the University of Colombo. Anyone

who wishes to act on the basis of information

provided in this newsletter is advised hereby to

contact the relevant authority for obtaining

binding official information. - March 2016

Guidance: Senior Professor Lakshman Dissanayake Vice-Chancellor, University of Colombo.

Publications Committee: Ms. W.I. Nanayakkara Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo.

Senior Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda, Department of Political Science & Public Policy,

Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo.

Senior Prof. Marie Perera, Department of Humanities Education,

Faculty of Education, University of Colombo.

Prof. Wipula Bandara Yapa Head, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences,

Faculty of Science, University of Colombo.

Prof. Premakumara de Silva, Department of Sociology,

Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo.

Prof. H. D. Karunaratne, Head, Department of Business Economics,

Faculty of Management and Finance,

University of Colombo.

Dr. Godwin Roger Constantine, Department of Clinical Medicine,

Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

Editorial Board: Dr. (Mrs.) Pradeepa Wijetunge, Librarian, University of Colombo.

Ms. W. P. G. L. Perera Assistant Librarian/Cataloguing, University of Colombo.

Ms. A. Sivasanthiran Assistant Librarian/Acquisition, University of Colombo.

Ms. Samudrika Sylva Probationary Lecturer, The ELTU, University of Colombo.

Ms. Nicola Perera Probationary Lecturer, The ELTU, University of Colombo.

Technical Support: Mr. Janith Dabare Library Information Assistant, University of Colombo.


Appointment of the New Vice-Chancellor

Senior Professor Lakshman Dissanayake

B.Dev.S (First Class Honours) (Colombo); PG Diploma (Colombo);

MA (Brussels); PhD (Adelaide); FRSA (United Kingdom)

Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake was appointed as the Vice-

Chancellor of the University of Colombo with effect from 6th of August

2015.

Sr. Professor Dissanayake entered the University of Colombo in June,

1973 as an undergraduate and continued his association with the

university when he joined as an academic staff member after obtaining First Class Honours for his first degree.

Thereafter, he received a PG Diploma from the University of Colombo, a Master of Arts from the Vrije

Universitiet Brussels, Belgium and a PhD from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and he is a Fellow of the

Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) in the United Kingdom. He serves the University of Colombo as a Senior

Professor in the Department of Demography at present.

During Sr. Professor Dissanayake’s tenure in the University of Colombo, he was appointed to various academic

as well as administrative positions. He has served as an academic sub-warden, academic warden, student

counselor, Coordinator of the Demographic Training and Research Unit, Rector of the Sri Palee Campus, and

the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. He has also officiated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the

University of Colombo on many occasions.

Sr. Professor Dissanayake founded the Colombo University Community Centre (CUCEC), which is the first

multidisciplinary centre in the whole university system devoted to community extension, and functioned as its

founding Director. He has been honoured with various esteemed positions and has received awards both

nationally and internationally for his contributions to the field of Demography.

Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake’s expertise includes regional demography, regional development

planning, health demography, and post-disaster reconstruction. He has published books, book chapters and

numerous research articles in local and internationally reputed journals. He has spent more than 40 years of his

professional life in the University of Colombo and his commitment and dedication to teaching, research, and

national development have enabled him to contribute to the development of the University of Colombo as well

as to the development of the nation at large.

A welcome ceremony was held at College House on 6th of August 2015 with the participation of the former

Competent Authority, Deans, Directors and all the academic, administrative, and non-academic staff of the


- 01


01 Research, Conferences and Workshops

1.1 The Annual Research Symposium – 2015

The research and development activities of the University of Colombo covering numerous fields are carried out

by both academic and non-academic members of the university as well as postgraduate and undergraduate

students.

In this connection, like every year, The Annual Research Symposium – 2015 of each faculty was held in the

last quarter of 2015 with the inauguration ceremony having been held on 26th of October 2015. Professor Tony

Anghie, Professor Samuel D. Thurman, Professors of Law, College of Law, University of Utah, delivered the

keynote speech on Sovereignty and the Challenges of Global Governance: A Sketch of Three Regimes on this

occasion. His Excellency Mr. Y. K. Sinha, the High Commissioner of India, participated as the Chief Guest at

the inaugural ceremony.

1.1.1 Faculty of Graduate Studies

The Annual Research Symposium of the Faculty of Graduate Studies was held on 25th of October 2015, at the

auditorium of the faculty. The theme of this research symposium was The Role of Postgraduate Research in

an Efficiency-Driven Economy.

1.1.2 Faculty of Medicine The Annual Research Symposium of the Faculty of Medicine was

held on 28th of October 2015, and the theme of this research

symposium was Enhancing Quality in Research and Health

Development. Prof. Sirimali Fernando, Chairperson, National

Science Foundation, was the Chief Guest for the event and

addressed the gathering on The Role of Research in University

Development.

The keynote address

Universal Health

Care in Sri Lanka:

Failures and/or

Successes over 75 Years was delivered by Dr. KrisanthaWeerasooriya,

Former Professor of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine. A lively

plenary lecture titled Academics as Thought Leaders: Promises and

Pitfalls, was delivered by Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Director, Post

Graduate Institute of Management, University of Sri

Jayawardenepura.

- 02


1.1.3 Faculty of Science

The Annual Research Symposium of the

Faculty of Science was held on 30th of

October 2015, at the faculty premises.

This year’s theme of the Faculty Sessions

was Human Resource Development

through Science and Technology.

1.1.4 Faculty of Management and Finance

The Faculty of Management and Finance annually organizes an international research

conference. The 10th International Research Conference on Management and Finance

(IRCMF-2015) was held on 27th of November 2015 at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo,

Sri Lanka featuring a prolific combination of academic sessions, a keynote address, and

an industry dialogue. The keynote address was delivered by a world renowned academic

in leadership and management, Prof. Richard Bolden from the University of the West

of England, Bristol.

The Doctoral

Colloquium

which was

held on 26th of

November

2015, was a

newly-added

feature to the

IRCMF 2015.

This created a platform for MPhil and PhD students to present

their work in progress and to receive valuable comments from

experienced academics to improve their research work.

1.1.5 Faculty of Education

The Annual Research Symposium 2015 of the Faculty of Education was held on 30th of October 2015. This

year’s theme of the symposium was Education and Social Cohesion. The keynote speaker was Dr. Rudiger

Blumor, Programme Coordinator, Education for Social Cohesion Programme, GIZ Sri Lanka. The Chief Guest

was the Vice-Chancellor of the UoC, Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake.

- 03


1.1.6 Faculty of Law

The Annual Research Symposium of the Faculty of

Law was held on 5th of December 2015, under the

theme University as Catalyst for Change.

Padmeshree Prof. N. R. Madhava Menon graced the

occasion by delivering the keynote speech on Social

Context Study of Law for Social Justice Lawyering

& Adjudication. The Dean of the Faculty and the

Vice-Chancellor also addressed the gathering.

1.1.7 Faculty of Arts

The International Research Conference of the Faculty of Arts was

held on 3rd and 4th of December 2015 under the theme Changing

Socio-Economic Dynamics in Sri Lanka: Contexts, Cultures

and Imaginations.

The Keynote Speaker was Prof.

Naren Chitty A. M., Director,

Soft Power Analysis & Resource Centre (SPARC), Macquarie University,

Australia, and the Guest Speaker was Associate Prof. Rohan Bastin,

Associate Professor of Anthropology, School of Humanities and Social

Sciences, Deakin University, Australia.

Department of Demography The Department of Demography, Faculty of

Arts, organized their Annual Research

Symposium under the theme of Population

Dynamics and the Post-2015 Development

Agenda on 10th of December 2015.

1.2 The 3rd International Conference on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Traditional

Medicine – 2015

The third International Conference on Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and

Traditional Medicine – 2015 and 'AYU – EXPO' were organized by the

Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, in

collaboration with USERENDIVUS CONFERENCE. The aim of the

conference was to provide a platform to bring together eminent

researchers, academics, physicians, traditional medical practitioners,

manufacturers and exporters of herbal products, members from the

corporate sector, marketing consultants and other organizations from all

over the world.

- 04


1.3 The International Workshop and Conference for Young Historians

The Department of History, University of Colombo, in partnership with

Facilitating Initiatives for Social Cohesion and Transformation (GIZ-

FLICT) and the American Institute for Sri Lanka Studies (AISLS),

hosted an inaugural 3-day residential workshop for young academic

historians from a number of leading Sri Lankan universities.

At the opening ceremony, the keynote speeches were delivered by Sr.

Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of

Colombo, Prof. Athula Ranasinghe, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. John

D. Rogers, the US Director of AISLS, Johann Peiris, the Programme

Coordinator for FLICT and Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri, Senior Lecturer of the

Department of History.

1.5 Launch of Koha Automated Library Management System at Postgraduate Institute

of Medicine Library (PGIM)

The library of the Postgraduate

Institute of Medicine launched

Koha, an automated library

management system, and

conducted a workshop on

Accessing Online Resources.

1.4 Systems Librarians training workshop by the Library, University of Colombo /INASP

The Library conducted a 4-day workshop from 17th to 20th of November 2015, aimed at librarians or systems

librarians from universities, who are members of the national consortium, with a role in the management and

support of the Library’s IT applications.

- 05


1.6 Workshop on Introduction to Data Science and its Applications

1.7 National Conference on Geospatial Sciences and Disaster Management

The Institute of Human Resource Advancement, University of Colombo, held a National Conference on

Geospatial Science and Disaster Management on 19th of January 2016, in collaboration with national and

international authorities and other relevant organizations. The conference’s aims included long-term disaster

preparedness, producing professionals essential for the field of Disaster Management, and reinforcing

collaboration between academia and industry in order to face challenges posed by disasters.

1.8 Workshop on ‘Empowering Your

Students for Learning Better’

A workshop on Empowering Your Students for

Learning Better: A Psychiatric Dimension of

Counselling was conducted by Prof Raveen

Hanwella of the Department of Psychological

Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Colombo, for student counselors, marshals,

wardens, lecturers and the library academic staff

of the University of Colombo at the Staff

Development Center (SDC) Seminar Room on

26th of November 2015.

The first workshop titled Introduction to Data Science and

its Applications organized by the Center for Data Science,

Department of Statistics of the Faculty of Science, was held

on 10th of December 2015, with the aim of introducing

techniques and tools in Data Science.

The workshop was conducted by Dr. Kevin Seneviratne,

Senior Database Administrator and Consultant, Data

Services Group, Coles Supermarkets, Australia, Dr. Liwan

Liyanage, Senior Lecturer, School of Computing

Engineering and Mathematics, University of Western

Sydney, Australia, members of the University of Colombo

Alumni and Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe, Senior Lecturer,

University of Colombo School of Computing.

- 06


1.9 Seminar on Death Investigation and Crime Scene Management

A seminar on Death Investigation and Crime

Scene Management was held at the Faculty of

Medicine, organized by the Department of

Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.

The objective was to assist in scene-of-crime

management with an updated practical aspect with

a view to upgrading the knowledge, skills, and

expertise of police and inquirers investigating

sudden deaths and crimes.

The event was sponsored by the Asia Foundation

as part of its programme to support the Death

investigation Diploma conducted by the

Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.

A panel discussion with Prof. Ravindra Fernando, Dr. Jean Perera, Dr. Asela Mendis, and Dr. Sameera

Gunawardena and various other sessions were conducted by Ms. C.M.A.Gunathilaka, Scientific Assistant and

Mr. Kasthuri Weerasuriya, Technical Officer.

Community Development Projects

2.1 Inauguration of the Center for Data Science The Center for Data Science, affiliated to

the Department of Statistics, has been

established with the purpose of carrying

out research and development in the

emerging area of Data Science. The

inauguration of the center was held on

16th of December 2015.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor and the

Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Ranjith

Mahanama graced the occasion as the

Chief Guest. One of the key events of the

day was a keynote speech by Prof. John Emerson of the Department of Statistics, Yale University, USA. There

was also a panel discussion convened by Dr. Ruvan Weerasinghe, Senior Lecturer of the UCSC, under the

theme Making Data Talk.

02

- 07


2.2 Fourth SAHAS Programme

Scholarly Access in

Helping the Advancement

of Science (SAHAS) is a

project initiated by the

Chemical Society of the

University of Colombo, to

help underprivileged

schools in rural areas

to develop their

facilities related to science education. The fourth project,

SAHAS-2015, was successfully completed focusing on

Kurunegala District and Puttalam District comprising

Nikawaratiya, Kuliyapitiya and Chilaw educational zones. This

event was organized by the third year special students of the

Department of Chemistry, under the guidance of the Senior

Treasurer of the Chemical Society, Dr. Rohini de Silva. A career

guidance lecture was conducted by Prof. K.M. Nalin de Silva.

2.3 'Upakara Mehewara' by the Library Staff

The Library Welfare Society, together with all the staff

members of the library network, organized a school

development program for underprivileged schools in rural

areas on the theme Upakara Mehewara for the 5th time

on 23rd and 24th of December 2015. PO/Girithale Jayanthi

Gurukula Vidyalaya was selected this year for this

program, where a drinking water system was installed, the

school library was renovated, about 200 books were

donated to the school library, digital equipment were

fitted for a classroom, and gifts were distributed to the

school children.

- 08


2.4 Residential Community Attachment Programme in Embilipitiya

The Residential Community Attachment Programme (CAP) for

the Medical undergraduates of the A/L Batch of 2013 was held

in Embilipitiya from 4th to 11th of January, 2016. The programme

was conducted for the third

successive year in the

Medical Officer of Health

(MOH) area Embilipitiya.

One of the highlights of this

programme was the ‘Suwa

Arana’ health promotion camp which was held on 10th of January 2016 at

Udawalawa Maha Vidyalaya.

Dr. Chandrasiri Niriella, BA, MA

(Colombo), MPhil (TISS), PhD (JNU)

Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology,


Award: University Research Awards -

2014

Dr. Thilakshi Kodagoda, B.Com

(Colombo), M.Com (India), PhD (Bradford,

UK)

Senior Lecturer, Grade I, Department of

Human Resource Management, University of

Colombo.


2014

Dr. Prasad Katulanda, MBBS

(Colombo), MD (Medicine) Sri Lanka,

DPhil (University of Oxford UK)

Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical

Medicine, University of Colombo.


2014

Prof. P.V. Udagama

Professor in Zoology, Department of

Zoology, University of Colombo.


2014

Prof. Kamani H. Tennekoon, Director

and Professor of Molecular Life

Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry,

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,


Awards: University Research Awards

– 2014, NRC Merit awards for

Scientific Publications in 2015

Dr. Shiroma Handunnetti, Senior

Lecturer/Immunology, Institute of

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and

Biotechnology, University of Colombo.

Awards: NRC Merit awards for

Scientific Publications in 2015, National

Science Foundation award for Support

Scheme for Supervision of Research

Degrees (SUSRED) 2015, and Sri Lanka

Medical Association – Karunadasa

Rajasuriya award for Tropical Medicine

for the Research paper - Rajapakse et al

2015.

03

Awards

- 09


Dr. Sameera Samarakoon, Institute

of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

and Biotechnology, University of

Colombo.

Awards: NRC Merit awards for

Scientific Publications in 2015 and

Hiran Tillekeratne Special Awards

for outstanding Postgraduate

Research - UGC

Prof. Ira Thabrew, Institute of

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

and Biotechnology, University of

Colombo.

Award: Sri Lanka Medical

Association - S. Ramachandran

Prize for the best paper in

Nephrology

Prof. Jennifer Perera, Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Colombo.

M.B.B.S. (University of Colombo) – June, 1979

MD Microbiology (University of Colombo) – March, 1984

MBA (Wales )

Consultant Microbiologist (Post Graduate Institute of Medicine) – June, 1986

Post Graduate Diploma in Gender Studies (University of Colombo) – April, 2001

Diploma in Medical Education (University of Dundee, UK)

Award: National Science Foundation Research Award

Prof. Sulochana Wijesundera, Senior Lecturer Grade 1, Department of Biochemistry and

Molecular Biology, University of Colombo.

B.Sc. Hons., [Colombo], 1980. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Second Class

Upper Division. Special Degree in Chemistry with Botany as the subsidiary subject.

M.Sc. [Bristol], 1984. University of Bristol, England, Department of Organic

Chemistry in Bio-organic Chemistry.

Ph.D. [Colombo], 1997. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in Molecular Biology &

Gene Technology.


Dr. N. V. Chandrasekeran, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University

of Colombo.

Ph.D. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka – 1996

M.Sc. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka – 1984

B.Sc. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka – 1981


Dr. Gerald Vernon Cooray

B.Sc. (Phy.) Colombo 1975

Ph.D (Uppasala) 1982

Honorary Degree – Faculty of Science

Doctor of Science

Award: “Aryabhata International Award” to Jeeva Niriella

Mrs Jeeva Niriella (MADSJS Niriella) Senior Lecturer Department of

International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, was awarded

the prestigious Aryabhata International Award by the Aryabhata

International Foundation, Bangalore, India. She received this award from

Justice Dr. Rama Jois (Former Governor of Bihar and Jharkhand State

and Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, India). The award

was presented to her in recognition of her contribution and service in the

field of education.

- 10


Achievements

4.1 World University Web Ranking – January 2016

From: www.webometrics.info

Fellow of the Institute of the Applied Statistics Association (IASSL)

Prof. Roshini Sooriyarachchi was bestowed the title of "Fellow of the Institute of the Applied

Statistics Association (IASSL)" at the 2015 AGM of the IASSL. This was in recognition to her

contribution to research globally and locally and particularly to her service to the IASSL from

its inception. She has held the posts of Secretary, Treasurer, Committee member of the

executive committee, Committee member of the editorial board and the chairperson of the

research and development committee of the IASSL.

Dr. Chamari Weeraratne was a recipient of “Susewabhimani sammanaya” 2015

Dr. Chamari Weeraratne, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University

of Colombo received the “Susewabhimani sammanaya” 2015 for pioneering research and

interventions that she did to promote safe and effective use of medicines in hearing / visually

disabled people. This award was given by the Social Services Department, Western Province,

Sri Lanka at “Susewabhimani sammanaulela -2015”.

Webometrics world web

ranking for the year

2016, ranks University

of Colombo as Sri

Lanka’s No.1 university

website.

04

- 11


4.2 Chemical Society

The President of the Chemical society Lakshitha Perera won the 1st place at the All Island Inter-University

Science Societies Digital Story Telling competition.

Lakshitha Perera and the Vice President Lakshan Jayawardena of the Chemical Society were chosen to

represent Sri Lanka in a 15-member delegation of university students for the Jenesys 2015 programme for South

Asian countries.

4.3 Best Undergraduate Research Project

A special degree student, D.N.

Samayawardena of the Department of

Statistics, won the Best Undergraduate

Research Project award 2015 of the

Institute of Applied Statistics, Sri

Lanka.

The title of the study was Volatility Models for world Stock Indices and Behaviour of

All Share Price Index and the research was carried out under the supervision of Mr.

H.A.S.G. Dharmaratne and Dr. C.D. Tilakaratne.

4.4 CFA Sri Lanka Research Challenge

Students from the Faculty of Management and Finance emerged as

the winners at the CFA Research Challenge Sri Lanka 2015 making

this the 3rd consecutive championship for the university in the same

competition. The winning team led by Nilukshi Jayawardena

included Supun Walpola, Ruzni Faik, Praveen Fernando and

Rukshani Adhihetty with Ms. Ganga Fernando, Lecturer from the

Department of Finance as the Faculty Advisor. The team will

represent Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Finals to be held in Chicago,

United States of America in April 2016.

4.5 HSBC Asia-Pacific Business Case Competition Four undergraduates from the Faculty of Management and Finance,

University of Colombo, represented Sri Lanka in the HSBC Asia-

Pacific Business Case Competition 2015 for upcoming business

leaders that saw the participation of over 30 teams from the Asia-

Pacific region, South Asia, and Australia. The team from Sri Lanka

comprised Supun Walpola, Ruzni Faik, Praveen Fernando, and Anjali

Alahakoon representing the Faculty of Management and Finance.

- 12


05

5.1 Postgraduate Convocation 2014

The Postgraduate Convocation of the University of Colombo was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial

International Conference Hall (BMICH) on 1st and 2nd of December 2015. Postgraduate Diplomas and

Postgraduate Degrees were conferred in five sessions. The number of graduands were as given below:

Faculty/ Institute Number of Graduands

Faculty of Arts 247

Faculty of Education 115

Faculty of Graduate Studies 586

Faculty of Law 132

Faculty of Management and Finance 197

Faculty of Medicine 48

Faculty of Science 182

Postgraduate Institute of Medicine 593

University of Colombo School of Computing 125

Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology 18

National Institute of Library and Information Science 33

Institute of Human Resource Advancement 239

Institute of Indigenous Medicine 23

Total 2538

5.2 Long Service Awards Ceremony 2015

This year, the Long Service Awards ceremony was held on 8th of January 2016, at the Faculty of Graduate

Studies Auditorium. Academic and non-academic staff members completing over 25 years, 30 years, 35 years

and 40 years respectively, were honored in this ceremony.

Convocation and Award Ceremonies

- 13


New Year Celebration

was held on 1st of January, 2016

at 9.30 a.m. at the College House

of the University of Colombo

under the patronage of the Vice-Chancellor

Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake.

2016 2016 The Newsletter of the University of Colombo The Newsletter of the University of Colombo

- 15 - 14


06

6.1 Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium 2015

6.2 University Governance Workshop Report

6.3 Launch of the Volume Anagarika Dharmapala and India – Sri Lanka Relations

Analyzing university governance issues in Sri Lanka, the report University

Governance, Autonomy, and Accountability presents a comprehensive set of

recommendations proposed by academics representing all universities.

Publications

- 16


07

7.1 Opening of Multicultural Centre and Book Launching Event

7.2 Esala Sathsara 2015

The Opening Ceremony of the Multicultural

Centre of the Department of Sociology was

held on 27th of November 2015, at the

Department of Sociology. Sr. Professor

Lakshman Dissanayake, Vice-Chancellor of

the University of Colombo, Prof. Athula

Ranasignhe, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof.

Thusitha Abeytunga, Director of the

University Development Grant of HETC, Dr.

(Mrs.) P. Wijetunge, Librarian of the

University of Colombo and other

distinguished guests graced this occasion.

Dr. Chandani Liyanage, Head, Department

of Sociology, delivered the welcome

address, and Prof. Premakumara de Silva,

Coordinator of the Multicultural Centre,

addressed the gathering highlighting the

objectives and future activities of the

centre. The ceremony was followed by the

launch of two books, ‘Kallaththoni’, a

translation by Mr. Swaminanthan Vimal

and ‘Sinna Thuraiyin Sriya Ulagam’ a

translation by Mr. Ravi Rathinavel.

The Arts Faculty's annual cultural festival took

place on 16th of November 2015. This festival

showcases the various talents of the

undergraduates, especially among first-year

students.

Cultural Events

- 17


08

8.1 Jinan University, China, to collaborate with UoC

A delegation from Jinan University, China, met Vice-Chancellor Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake and

senior academics of the University of Colombo on 7th of December 2015, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. They

agreed to facilitate faculty and student exchange programmes, and to offer joint degree programs for students

of both universities as well as placements for academic staff on sabbatical.

8.2 Vice-Chancellor of Infrastructure University Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, visits UoC

Prof. Roslan Abidin, Vice-Chancellor of Infrastructure

University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, met Sr. Professor

Lakshman Dissanayake, UoC Vice-Chancellor, Dr. R.

Senathiraja, Dean, Faculty of Management and Finance

on 11th of December 2015. During the meeting, they

agreed to exchange faculty and students and to provide the

placements for academics on sabbatical in the fields of

Arts, as well as Management and Finance.

8.3 UNFPA Marks Sri Lanka's 60th

Anniversary of Joining the UN with Student Dialogue

Approximately 200 students, faculty members, as well as

representatives from the United Nations Population Fund

(UNFPA) and other UN agencies, gathered at the UoC on 14th

of December 2015, to observe the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka

becoming a member of the UN.

Mr. Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative to Sri

Lanka, delivered the keynote speech. Third and

fourth year students discussed and expressed their

opinions of the UN’s work in Sri Lanka under the

heading, Sixty years of United Nations in Sri

Lanka Dialogue.

International Affairs

- 18


8.4 MoU between Island Research Center, State Oceanic Administration, China, and the

Geography Department, UoC

An MoU for a joint research project was signed on 14th of

December 2015 by Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake,

Vice-Chancellor, UoC, and Dr. Li Wenjun, Deputy Director

General of the Island Research Centre, China.

Under this study, titled Impact of Global Climate Change and

Human Activities on Tropical Coastal Evolution and

Management, both parties will gather, process, and analyze

oceanographic data using the latest methods and equipment.

8.5 The second International Forum for Mathematical

Modeling 2015

Under the guidance and support of the German Academic Exchange Program

(DAAD), the Research and Development Center for Mathematical Modeling at

the Department of Mathematics, UoC, organized the second International

Forum for Mathematical Modeling (IFM2).

Several international faculty and postgraduate

students from the University of

Kaiserslautern, Germany, (TUKL);

Kathmandu University, Nepal, (KU);

and the Institute of Technology

Bandung, Indonesia, (ITB),

participated.

TUKL faculty offered compact courses on Mathematical Models in

Biology, in addition to Portfolio Optimization and Risk Analysis. The

organizing chair of the event was Dr. S. S. N.Perera, Senior Lecturer,

Department of Mathematics, UoC.

8.6 Joint International Seminar with Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan

The Department of Business Economics, Faculty of

Management and Finance, organized an international

seminar in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics

of Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan. The Head of the

Department of Business Economics, Prof. H. D.

Karunaratne, provided his guidance. The Hosei

University delegates were led by Prof. Toshiyuki Baba.

- 19


The event was graced by His Excellency the Ambassador

for Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Kenichi Suganuma, and Sr.

Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, the Vice-Chancellor,

UoC. This event created a platform for the undergraduate

students of the department to interact with undergraduates

of the Faculty of Economics of Hosei University.

8.7 A delegation from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China

A delegation from Southwestern University of Finance and

Economics, China, met with Sr. Professor Lakshman

Dissanayake, Vice-Chancellor, UoC, Dr. R. Senathiraja, Dean,

Faculty of Management and Finance, Dr. A. Azeez, Head,

Department of Finance, Dr. B. Nishantha, Head, Dept. of

Management and Organizational Studies, and Dr. Sampath

Seneviratne, Director, International Unit.

During

discussions, both parties agreed to initiate research

collaborations and create opportunities to exchange

faculty and students, and to increase the industrial

exposure of the students of both the universities.

8.8 A delegation from German Academic Exchange Service

The Regional Director for India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka of the German Academic Exchange Service

(DAAD), Ms. Heike Mock, and Senior Advisor/International Cooperation, Ms. Shikha Sinha, visited the

University of Colombo. Ms. Shikha Sinha conducted a presentation introducing their expanded services to both

academics and students. The Vice-Chancellor, Deans of faculties, Directors of Institutes and Schools, Heads of

Departments, and postgraduate students participated at the event.

During the meeting the representatives of DAAD and University of Colombo suggested to reopen an office of

German Academic Exchange Service in Colombo and to strengthen the ongoing programmes. The Vice-

Chancellor, Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake expressed his genuine willingness to facilitate the process.

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http://www.swufe.edu.cn/

http://www.swufe.edu.cn/


8.9 Michigan Technological University, USA,

to collaborate with University of Colombo

Prof. Bruce Seely, Dean, College of Science and Arts,

Michigan Technological University, USA, met Sr.

Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, UoC Vice-

Chancellor; Prof. K. R. R. Mahanama, Dean, Faculty of

Science; Dr. R. Senathiraja, Dean, Faculty of

Management and Finance, and senior academics from

the Faculties of Science and Arts on 11th of January 2016,

at the Vice-Chancellor's Office.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Colombo, expressed his genuine

willingness to facilitate collaboration between the

29

two universities and

suggested initiating

collaboration in research

areas of mutual interest.

- 21


8.10 Guest Lecture and Seminar on Masters and

PhD Opportunities at Michigan Technological

University, USA

Prof. Bruce Seely, Dean, College of Science and Arts, Michigan

Technological University, USA, delivered a guest lecture on

Societal Implications of Nano scale Sciences and Engineering:

Integrating Advance

Science and Society at

the University of

Colombo on 11th of January

2016. Prof. Seely also

conducted a seminar session on

Master's and PhD opportunities

at Michigan Technological

University for graduate students.

8.11 Delegation from Wuhan University visits UoC

Professor Xiaohui Cui, Dean,

International School of Software,

Miss. Sun Lin, Program Director

of the International Software

School, Mr. Zhou Fusheng,

Admissions Director of the

International Education School, and Miss Mo Fan, Vice-

Admissions Director of the International Education School of Wuhan University, China, visited the University

of Colombo on 26th of January 2016. During the discussion both parties agreed to collaborate in the areas of

Computer Science and Geography.

8.12 Vice-Chancellor, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, visits UoC

Prof. I.V. Thrivedi, the Vice-Chancellor of Mohanlal Sukhadia University, India, visited Sr. Professor

Lakshman Dissanayake, UoC Vice-Chancellor, on 2nd of February 2016. Mrs. Sushmista Shekhar, President,

My Anchor Private Limited, India and Mr. Mohamed Nizar, Media Director, National and International Human

Rights Organization, also participated in the meeting.

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09

9.1 MoU with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts together with John Keells Foundation

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts will undertake the responsibility of finalizing the curriculum for the BBA in

Hospitality and Leisure Management, while assisting with resource personnel and lecturers to facilitate the

hospitality/leisure technical modules. The franchise will be responsible for practical training for the course

facilitators and guidance to students pursuing the special degree.

9.2 MoU with Sri Lankan Airlines Limited

The Faculty of Management and Finance signed an MoU for a Management Development Programme with

Sri Lanka’s national carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines Limited. This programme is aimed at developing the

managerial skills of a group of managers and executives of Sri Lankan Airlines.

9.3 MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the

Department of Accounting

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the Department of Accounting (DoA) of the Faculty

of Management and Finance have pledged to co-operate in a spirit of mutual understanding and to develop a

closer relationship of goodwill and friendship under this MoU. The overall goal is to develop the Accounting

profession in Sri Lanka through the collaboration of accounting academia and practitioners.

9.4 MoU with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Under this MoU, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management and Finance, and the ACCA will work

together to explore the opportunity to grant exemptions for graduates and develop the accounting profession in

Sri Lanka by conducting joint workshops, seminars, research, discussion events, and conferences. The MoU

was initiated by the Department of Accounting.

Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, together

with the John Keells Foundation, signed

an MoU with the University of Colombo

for the successful implementation of a

Bachelor of Business Administration

degree in Hospitality and Leisure

Management. This is a landmark

arrangement as it is the first time that a

hospitality franchise has partnered with

academia to launch a degree program of

this nature.

Industry Collaborations

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10

10.1 University of Colombo Colours Awards Ceremony 2015

10.2 Government Services ‘A Division’

Carrom Championship 2015

University of Colombo wins the Silver Medal

in the Government Services ‘A Division’

Carrom Championship 2015.

Sports

- 24


A cultural festival was also organized with the same objectives.

10.4 Grip-to-Grip 2015 Carrom Tournament The University of Colombo women’s

carrom team was the second runner-up

and the men’s team was placed

fourth, at Grip-to-Grip 2015, the

inter-university and inter-institute

carrom tournament organized by the

University of Kelaniya.

10.5 Boat Launch 2016

A sports festival was held at the

UoC grounds to build closer

relationships among students from

different years and different ethno-

religious groups and the faculty. A

cultural festival was also organized

with the same objective.

The first ever Boat Launch of the University

of Colombo, ‘Boat Launch 2016’ was held

on 30th of January 2016 at the Colombo

Rowing Club.

10.3 Student-Staff Interaction through Sports and Culture

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11

11.1 Dr. Nalin Rodrigo Memorial Oration 2015

11.2 CVCD Meeting at the University of Colombo

The 379th meeting of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD) was held on 7th of November 2015, at the

University of Colombo. Sr. Prof. (Ms.) Vasanthy Arasaratnam, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna,

chaired the meeting. Sr. Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Colombo,

made a presentation on Best Practices of the University.

11.4 Cadre Meeting

- 26

Prof. Vajira H. W. Dissanayake, Professor in Anatomy and the

Director, Human Genetics Unit, delivered the Dr. Nalin Rodrigo

Memorial Oration 2015 of the Sri Lanka College of Obstetrics and

Gynaecology on 20th of December 2015. The title of the oration

was Genetics of cancer – can we do more for our patients and

their families?

News

The Sujatha

Jayawardane

Memorial Oration

was delivered by the

Prime Minister of Sri

Lanka, Hon. Ranil

Wickramasinghe, on

11th of December

2015. He spoke on

the topic

Strengthening

Democratic

Institutions.

11.3 Sujatha Jayawaradane Memorial Oration


11.5 Felicitation of Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Lakshman Dissanayake

11.6 Orientation Programme for New Entrants, Faculty of Law

The inauguration ceremony of the

1st batch of the Certificate Course in

Written Tamil, and the 6th batch of the

Certificate Course in Spoken

Tamil was held on 30th of January

2016 at the New Arts Theatre.

The certificates of the 5th batch of the

Certificate Course in Spoken Tamil

were also awarded at this event.

The Orientation Programme

for new entrants of the

Faculty of Law was held

from 4th to 14th of January

2016.

The Alumni Association of the University of Colombo

held a felicitation ceremony for Sr. Professor Lakshman

Dissanayake, to mark his appointment as the Vice-

Chancellor of the University of Colombo. The occasion

was graced by Hon. Mohan Lal Grero, the State Minister

for University Education, Prof. Mohan de Silva, Chairman

of the UGC, and many other distinguished invitees.

President of the Alumni Association Mr. Rajeev

Amarasuriya presented the Felicitation Plaque to the Vice-

Chancellor.

11.7 Inauguration of Certificate

Courses in Written and Spoken

Tamil

11.8 The Main Library Welcomes the New Entrants of the

Faculty of Management and Finance

- 27


11.9 Senior Prof. Ravindra Fernando Appointed Chairman of NDDCB

11.10 Extension courses of Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

12.1 Media Colombo@2016 – International Symposium

The Sri Palee campus will organize the international symposium, Media

Colombo@2016, on 3rd and 4th of May 2016 to mark World Press

Freedom Day. For more details, please visit the campus website:

http://spc.cmb.ac.lk

12

General Convocation for Postgraduate Diploma in Toxicology

Three extension courses are conducted by the

Department of Forensic Medicine and

Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UoC. The

award ceremonies for the Diploma in Forensic

Medicine and Science for lawyers, as well as

the Distance Learning Diploma in Death

Investigation, offered by Department of

Forensic Medicine and Toxicology were held

in the Faculty of Medicine. The Chief Guest

was President’s Counsel Wijeyadasa

Rajapakshe, Hon. Minister of Justice. Ms.

Kamalini de Silva, Secretary to the Ministry

of Justice, and Mr. Johan Rebert, Deputy

Country Representative of Asia Foundation,

were the Guests of Honor.

Diploma in Forensic Medicine and Science for Lawyers

Sr. Prof. Ravindra Fernando, Senior Professor of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology,

Faculty of Medicine, was appointed as the Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs

Control Board, effective from 18th of November 2015.

Distance Learning Diploma in Death Investigation

Announcements

- 28

http://spc.cmb.ac.lk/


Do you have any significant news related to your

faculty, campus, institute or section of the

University of Colombo?

Kindly send them before

15th of May 2016 to be published in Issue 2

15th of September 2016 to be published in Issue 3

15th of November 2016 to be published in Issue 4

Contact us:

Librarian

University of Colombo PO Box 1698 Colombo 07 Sri Lanka Email : [email protected] / [email protected]

Tel /Fax : 0112583043, 0112158741

- 29

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