Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, delivered a plenary speech titled “Transdisciplinary Research, Creativity, and Innovation for Economic Development” at the 24th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC) – 2024. Organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the conference was held on the 29th of November 2024 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies.

Following the plenary speech, Dr. McNamara paid a courtesy visit to Senior Professor Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

The meeting, held at the Vice-chancellor’s office, focused on the opportunities for hosting Fulbright Specialists and Fulbright Scholars at the University of Kelaniya.

Dr. McNamara was accompanied by the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Senior Professor Sudath R. D. Kalingamudali, who has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship twice, a rare and exceptional accomplishment.