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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
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.
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
University of Colombo.
- 01
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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,
University of Colombo.
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.
Award: University Research Awards -
2014
Dr. Prasad Katulanda, MBBS
(Colombo), MD (Medicine) Sri Lanka,
DPhil (University of Oxford UK)
Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical
Medicine, University of Colombo.
Award: University Research Awards -
2014
Prof. P.V. Udagama
Professor in Zoology, Department of
Zoology, University of Colombo.
Award: University Research Awards -
2014
Prof. Kamani H. Tennekoon, Director
and Professor of Molecular Life
Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry,
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,
University of Colombo.
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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.
Award: National Science Foundation Research Award
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
Award: National Science Foundation Research Award
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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.
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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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.
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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
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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
The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
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The Newsletter of the University of Colombo 2016
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
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