The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) at the University of Kelaniya marked a pivotal moment in postgraduate education on the 7^th of November 2024 at the Senate Room, with the launch of three transformative resources: the Postgraduate Management Guide for Program Coordinators, the upgraded Management Information System (MIS), and the Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR).

The event was presided over by Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, who delivered an address as the Chief Guest, reiterating the university's steadfast commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The occasion was further honored by Senior Professor Kapila Senaviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission and former Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. He reflected on the faculty's journey and emphasized the achievements encapsulated by the newly launched resources and the journal, aligning with the theme "So Far and the Way Forward". His insights underscored the impact and forward-looking vision that these advancements bring to the faculty’s mission.

The event commenced with the official relaunch of the official journal of the Faculty of Graduate Studies after its rebranding in the year 2023, marking a significant milestone in the academic landscape of the University of Kelaniya. Previously, the journal was known as the Journal of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, which was renamed the Journal of Multidisciplinary and Translational Research (JMTR), reflecting our emergence towards a broader scope and our commitment to foster multidisciplinary research. Established as a pioneering platform in academia, JMTR aims to draw substantial interest from scholars both locally and globally, owing to its dedication to bridging disciplinary boundaries and promoting translational research. This open-access, peer-reviewed journal is published biannually by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, reporting complex, cross-disciplinary challenges. JMTR's reputable standing is underscored by its inclusion in key indexing platforms, including Google Scholar, the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), and Sri Lanka Journals Online (SLJOL) under the National Science Foundation. Additionally, the journal is in the process of applying for indexing in Crossref, DOAJ, and Scopus, a step that would further enhance its reach and impact within the global academic community. JMTR consistently demonstrates a commitment to high-quality scholarship and academic rigor. Currently, Volume 9, Issue II (December 2024) of JMTR is undergoing the process of publication.

The Postgraduate Management Guide, unveiled at this event, was developed to streamline and standardize management processes for postgraduate programs. This guide serves as a comprehensive manual, addressing each stage of the postgraduate management process with precision and clarity. By offering structured guidelines, the guide minimizes inconsistencies and enables coordinators to move beyond reliance on past practices. The guide ensures operational continuity and a smooth transition for both new and experienced coordinators alike by covering the entire spectrum of postgraduate program coordination from initial appointment to final administrative tasks. Key contributors to the guide include Senior Professor N. A.K .P. J. Seneviratne as Editor-in-Chief, along with Editorial Board members Dr. Prabhashini Wijewantha from the Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, and Mr. K. B. S. L. Wijeratne, Deputy Registrar of FGS.

Simultaneously, the FGS introduced an enhanced version of its Management Information System (MIS), designed to optimize user interaction and expedite administrative tasks. The updated MIS includes advanced functionalities that simplify procedures, provide automated notifications via email and SMS, and offer user-friendly interfaces that benefit students, program coordinators, and other stakeholders alike. Dr. Gamini Wijayarathne from the Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computing and Technology, served as the Chief Consultant for this project. During the event, a brief demonstration showcased these new features, underscoring the faculty’s commitment to efficiency and technological advancement.

In attendance were distinguished guests, including Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor M. M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor W. M. C. B. Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University of Kelaniya, along with Department Heads, Postgraduate Program Coordinators, administrative staff, and other staff. Mr.  K. B.S. L. Wijeratne, Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, alongside all FGS staff members, was also among the participants.