The Centre for Gender Studies of the University of Kelaniya commemorated International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give Knowledge to Gain Equality” on 9th March 2026 at the Faculty of Humanities Auditorium. The event brought together academic staff, non-academic staff, and students to reflect on the role of knowledge in advancing gender equality and fostering a safe and inclusive university environment.

The programme was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished invitees present were Prof. M. M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Dr R. M. Chinthaka Sanjeewa Rathnayake, Chief Medical Officer of the University Medical Centre; Dr K. R. N. Harshani, Director of Kalana Mithuru Sewana; Dr Samanthi Jayawardena, Director of the Centre for International Affairs; and Dr Kumudu Sumedha, Director of the Centre for Social Reconciliation.

Representing the Centre for Gender Studies were Senior Professor Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director; Dr Sulochani Ramanayake, Acting Director; Dr Amila Jeewandara, Acting Deputy Director; Dr Dilani Wickramarachchi, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Industrial Management; Mr. Diwanka Randunu Podduwage; and Ms. K. A. H. N. Karunanayake, Coordinator. The event was also attended by Advisory Board members, Steering Committee members, HVWLE Bylaws Investigation Officers, as well as academic and non-academic staff and undergraduate students from the University of Kelaniya and other state universities.

The programme commenced with a welcome address and introduction to the theme delivered by Dr Sulochani Ramanayake, who emphasized the importance of education, awareness, and institutional commitment in advancing gender equality within the university community.

A panel discussion held under the theme “Knowledge, Rights, Justice and Action: Towards a Safe and Equitable University” was moderated by Senior Lecturer Samanthika Priyadarshani of the Department of Mass Communication. The panel featured Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Prof. Dilma Koggalage, Department of History; Prof. Anusha Edirisinghe, Department of Sociology; and Dr Kasun Fernando, Director of Student Affairs. The panelists shared valuable insights on gender rights within academic spaces, women’s historical and contemporary challenges, student experiences within university settings, and the importance of building gender-responsive institutional practices.

The panel discussion was followed by an interactive open forum, during which participants actively engaged in dialogue and shared perspectives on strengthening gender equality and inclusivity within the university community.

The event reaffirmed the University of Kelaniya’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality, knowledge sharing, and the creation of safe, inclusive, and equitable academic spaces for all.