Demonstrating its strong commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and institutional harmony, the University of Kelaniya recently hosted a landmark Training of Trainers workshop titled “Learning to Live with Diversity.” The program was jointly organized by the Centre for Social Reconciliation of the University of Kelaniya and the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Held on July 16, 2025, at the university’s Staff Development Centre, the full-day session brought together 25 senior administrative officers representing various divisions of the university. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the diverse identities within the university community and to promote a respectful, inclusive working and learning environment.

The training was conducted by a panel of highly respected facilitators: Professor Hemamali Gunathilaka, Co-chair to the Standing Committee/ Commission Member, UGC, and Professor Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, along with Professor Prabha Manuratne, Co-chair to the Standing Committee and Director of the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality at the University Grants Commission. Their sessions focused on topics such as empathy in administration, institutional responsibility, and the importance of embracing diversity within higher education institutions.

The event concluded with the participation of Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University. Their presence demonstrated the university's strong commitment to promoting inclusive values and building a socially cohesive academic environment.

Certificates of Participation were awarded to all attendees in recognition of their dedication to becoming trained facilitators and advocates of diversity within their respective roles.

Dr. Kumudu Sumedha, Director of the Centre for Social Reconciliation (SRC), stated that the sessions provided space to identify diversity challenges across academic disciplines and administrative units. Based on these insights, the university now plans to embed diversity as a guiding institutional value, treating it as a source of strength and beauty. Future efforts will include strategies to dismantle stereotypes, foster intergroup understanding, and offer systematic training to both staff and students in order to cultivate a more inclusive and respectful campus environment.

Additionally the event also witnessed the presence of the Management Committee Members of the SRC, University of Kelaniya.