The inauguration ceremony of the 6th batch of the Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), was successfully held on the 8^th of February 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.

This event was held with the aim of officially commencing the 6th batch of Diploma in GIS.

Professor Manjula Rangalage at the Department of Environmental Management, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, graced the event as the chief guest and the keynote speaker, while other distinguished guests of the ceremony included Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences; Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri, Head and Chair of the Department of Geography; Professor A. G. Amarasinghe, Director of the Research Center for Social Sciences (RCSS); and Dr. Saseeka Wijesekara, the Course Coordinator.

The event commenced with the welcome address by Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri. He also provided an overview about the objectives of the Diploma program. Addressing the gathering, Professor A. G. Amarasinghe emphasized the qualities and skills that the students should enhance during the diploma program during his speech. Professor M. M. Gunathilake, speaking at the gathering, mentioned the Department of Geography’s progress and achievements over the years. The keynote speaker, Professor Manjula Ranagalage’s insights were very valuable for the new diploma entrants, as he highlighted the recent trends in the GIS field and available opportunities for GIS scholars.

The token of Appreciation was handed over to Professor Ranagalage, by Professor M. M. Gunathilake and Senior Professor Lal Mervin Dharmasiri.

Additionally, the academic and non-academic members of the Department of Geography, diploma applicants, and other students also participated in the event.