The first research conference on the scholarship of teaching and learning at the University of Kelaniya was held on 26^th May 2023, under the theme - “Evidence-based Practices in Higher Education.”

It was organized by the Staff Development Center of the University of Kelaniya in collaboration with the W. M. Jayarathne Center for Management Research, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, and the Center of Excellence for Technology Education, Faculty of Computing and Technology. The objective of the conference was to expand research, network with colleagues, and disseminate knowledge on new teaching, learning, and assessment methods in higher education in Sri Lanka. The conference featured a keynote speech, panel discussion, and technical sessions.

Senior Professor Nilathi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the opening ceremony of the conference and delivered a speech appreciating the organizing team for introducing the concept of Teaching as Research (TAR) to the university academic community. Deans of the Faculties; Professor Narada Fernando, Professor Sudath Kalingamudalige, Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dr. Sudath Senarath, and Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, heads of the departments, professors, senior lectures, lectures, and probationary lectures were present at the occasion. Professor Susima Weligamage, the Senior Advisor of RCSoTL 2023, welcomed the invitees and authors. Moreover, Dr. Pavithra Godamunne, the director of the Staff Development Centre, the University of Kelaniya, delivered opening remarks.

Dr. Lisa Kelly, the Director Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning, University of Iowa, USA, delivered the keynote speech, which focused on guidelines for establishing a Teaching as Research (TAR) culture and institutionalizing the concept of TAR. Dr. Thilini Rupasinghe, chair of RCSoTL, delivered the vote of thanks, winding up the opening ceremony.

The second feature of the conference was the panel discussion on ways and means of institutionalizing a culture that promotes the development of evidence-based and reflective teaching practices in Higher Education. Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, the Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Prof. Suki Ekarathne, Former Associate Professor – the University of Hong Kong, director of the Staff Development Centre at the University of Colombo and well-known scholar in the field of Teaching and Learning, Professor Madawa Chandrathilake, Cadre Chair and Professor, Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Tharanga Wijetunge, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Lyon College, USA were the distinguished panelists at this discussion. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Laalitha Liyanage, Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya.

The second half of the day was mainly allocated to the technical sessions, and around 30 authors presented their research outcomes based on their studies, which created an excellent platform for presenters and attendees to share their knowledge and advance the teaching, learning, and assessment practices at the University of Kelaniya.