A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Kelaniya and the La Trobe University regarding the training and research related to the Polonnaruwa Archaeological, Anthropological Urban Landscape Project (PAAULP) on the 15^th of August 2024, at the Vice-chancellor’s Office of the University of Kelaniya, after the conclusion of Fieldwork Season 2 of the PAAULP.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, signed the MoU on behalf of the University of Kelaniya, while Dr. Keir Strickland of the La Trobe University, signed on behalf of the La Trobe University, Australia.

PAAULP is a collaborative project implemented by the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya and the Department of Archaeology and History of La Trobe University, Australia. The project aims to promote the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Quality Education; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; and Partnerships to Achieve the Goal.

The signing of the MoU was followed by the Certificate Awarding Ceremony, which marked the conclusion of the PAAULP, and the event was held on the same day at the Faculty of Social Sciences premises.

Students of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, who participated in the Fieldwork Season 2 and other participants of the project were awarded certificates at the event.

The Certificate Awarding Ceremony was graced by the participation of Senior Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Keir Strickland of the La Trobe University and Chair & Senior Prof. Prishanta Gunawardhana of Archeology, University of Kelaniya, CO-Directors of the PAAULP project, and Senior Professor Anura Manathunge of the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya addressed the gathering.

Present at the occasion were the staff members and the students of the Department of Archeology of the University of Kelaniya.