The Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Kelaniya successfully hosted the 24^th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC), under the theme “Research and Innovation for Economic Development,” on the 29^th of November 2024. The inauguration was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies of the university.

The event served as a platform for academics, researchers, postgraduate students, and industry experts to share their insights on the transformative potential of research and development. The conference featured four academic tracks: Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Medicine; Accounting, Business, and Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Multidisciplinary Studies.

The Chief Guest, Senior Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, graced the event alongside Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya as the Guest of Honor, and Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Faculty of Science.

Mr. Rajitha Kariyawasan, a leading industrialist, delivered the keynote address on “R&D and Innovation for Economic Development.” Mr. Kariyawasan holds multiple leadership roles, including Executive Director of Hayleys PLC, Managing Director of Haycarb PLC, and Deputy Chairman of Hayleys Fibre PLC, among others.

Plenary sessions featured eminent speakers who shared their expertise and insights on various aspects of research and innovation. Dr. Patrick McNamara, the Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, delivered a session on ‘Transdisciplinary Research, Creativity, and Innovation for Economic Development’. Dr. B. Satyavara Prasad, an accomplished Assistant Professor at Banaras University India and a distinguished scholar in the field of music, presented on ‘Concepts in Percussion Accompaniment in South Indian Carnatic Classical Music’. Ms. Chathini Uduwana, Vice President - People & Country Head at Typefi Systems, Women in Tech Sri Lanka Ambassador, spoke on ‘Bridging Boundaries: Multidisciplinary Innovation for Economic Growth’.

 Accordingly, nineteen (19) parallel sessions were successfully held in six locations, and the conference attracted 251 abstract submissions, of which 143 were accepted and 132 were presented. A vibrant community of academics from the University of Kelaniya and visiting experts contributed to the success of the event, reinforcing its reputation as a center for groundbreaking research.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Professor Bandara Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Dr. Chamli Pushpakumara, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; University Council Members; Dr. C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Heads of Departments, Professors, and other academic staff.