The Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) of the Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the BSc (Hons) in Speech and Hearing Sciences students of Batch 12 and Batch 13, successfully hosted InFocus 2024–2025 on 5th February 2026.

Conducted as a hybrid undergraduate research forum at the Board Meeting Room and Vistaara Hall of the Faculty of Medicine, the event brought together undergraduate students, academics, and clinicians to celebrate research, innovation, and inclusive practice in speech, language, and hearing sciences.

The forum received nearly 50 abstracts, reflecting the strong research engagement of undergraduates and the growing culture of inquiry within the department. Selected abstracts were presented across oral and poster sessions throughout the day.

The event was honoured by the virtual presence and address of Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya. Senior Prof. Madhawa Chandrathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, delivered remarks that set an inspiring tone for the forum. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Thilini Lokubalasuriya, Head of the Department of Disability Studies, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Shyamani Hettiarachchi, Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, who emphasized the importance of research-informed practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. Prof. Miyuru Chandradasa, Chairperson of the Ethics Review Committee, further highlighted the central role of ethical integrity in academic research.

The keynote address, ‘Thinking Beyond Standards: Reimagining Practice and Research,’ delivered virtually by Dr Buddhima Samaraweera, encouraged participants to critically examine conventional frameworks and to design contextually responsive research that addresses Sri Lanka’s evolving healthcare and educational needs.

The programme was further enriched by three invited speeches. Ms Lakmini Balasuriya, a lecturer in audiology, delivered an inspiring session titled ‘More than a Clinician: Navigating Research, Leadership, and Advocacy,’ underscoring the expanding role of clinicians as researchers, leaders, and advocates. Dr Rangika Perera, a speech and language therapist, shared valuable insights from school-based dyslexia intervention research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in service delivery. Ms Buddhinie Nonis, lecturer in audiology concluded the invited sessions with ‘Ecological Momentary Assessments: Communication in Real-Life Listening Situations,’ introducing innovative approaches to understanding communication within naturalistic contexts.

Across eight engaging research sessions, students presented oral and poster papers under diverse themes, including paediatric literacy, adult dysphagia, inclusive education, learning disorders, hearing healthcare, voice research, feeding and swallowing, hearing loss, aphasia, and employment in disability. The presentations demonstrated methodological rigor, contextual relevance, and a strong commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by individuals and families across Sri Lanka.

A distinctive feature of the event was the interactive Lunch-Time Poster Snapshots and Research Puzzle Wall, where presenters shared key findings and participants collaboratively clustered emerging themes. This initiative fostered dialogue, peer learning, and reflective engagement among attendees.

The event concluded with a reflective address and closing remarks delivered by Prof. Shyamani Hettiarachchi, followed by a vote of thanks by the Batch 13 organizing committee.

InFocus 2024–2025 stands as a testament to the Centre for Disability Studies’ continued commitment to nurturing undergraduate research excellence and strengthening the bridge between academic scholarship and inclusive clinical practice.