Harmony Week 2025, commemorating International Peace Day, commenced successfully on September 8, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, with an inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” Organized by the Centre for Social Reconciliation in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy, the event was held under the precedence of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The panel featured Mr. Shabeer Mohamed, a social activist and freelance journalist focused on how reconciliation work in reality; Ms. Anusha Sivalingam, a lecturer and published author from Sri Palee University specializing in using literature to promote peace, feminism, and social harmony; and Professor Kiran Grewal, a human rights lawyer with over 20 years of experience actively working on post-war rights, justice, and related struggles. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena. Notably, the discussion was conducted in three languages, reflecting the university’s commitment to inclusivity.

The audience’s engagement was evident during the Q&A session, where they posed thought-provoking questions that demonstrated their enthusiasm. The successful opening of Harmony Week 2025 set a positive tone for upcoming events, including a photography exhibition, an intercultural food festival, a film screening, and a musical evening featuring a special Parai drum performance of Tamil folk music, aiming to create a platform for intercultural dialogue.

The event was graced by the presence of Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Lecturer Dr. Manoji Harishchandra, Head of the Department of Philosophy, along with the other heads of the departments; Senior Lecturer Dr. Kumudu Sumedha, Director of the Centre for Social Reconciliation, along with the other directors of centres and units; academic staff members; members of organizations actively engaged in promoting peace and reconciliation, and numerous students.