The University of Kelaniya and Kanazawa University, Japan, marked another milestone in their long-standing academic partnership with a successful sixth annual meeting on March 25, 2024. The event, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, included a formal discussion with Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, focusing on the progress of collaborative initiatives between the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Kelaniya, and Kanazawa University.

Tetsuya Sagawa, Associate Professor Megumi Honjo, and Dr. R. R. N. A. B. W. M. Rasindu Upanali Galagoda from Kanazawa University engaged in an in-depth dialogue with the Vice-Chancellor, emphasizing their plans and contributions during their current visit. Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, further moderated the discussion.

As a direct outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions, the Japanese delegates conducted two academic sharing sessions in collaboration with the Research Centre for Social Sciences (RCSS) on the same day. Chaired by Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, these sessions provided valuable insights into secondary education in Japan and the international student experience at Kanazawa University. The first session by Associate Professor Megumi Honjo focused on secondary education in Japan, offering an in-depth look at its structure, challenges, and best practices. The second session by Dr. Galagoda provided an overview of international student life at Kanazawa University, sharing experiences and opportunities available for students pursuing higher education in Japan. The presentations emphasized the significance of the knowledge-sharing sessions, which provided Sport and Recreation Management undergraduates with valuable insights into secondary education in Japan and the international student experience at Kanazawa University. The discussions particularly benefited Sport and Recreation Management undergraduates, broadening their perspectives on global educational practices and student mobility opportunities.

The program concluded positively, with appreciation extended to Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the RCSS for supporting international academic collaborations.

The continued partnership between the University of Kelaniya and Kanazawa University remains instrumental in enhancing research, education, and student development in sports management and physical education.

The events were graced by the presence of Dr. Nilantha Ramanayake, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, along with the department's academic staff: Dr. Jayantha Kalansooriya, Dr. Charika Wickramarathne, Dr. Hashi Peiris, Senior Lecturer Ms. Anoma Rathnayaka, and Senior Lecturer Ms. Deepika Wehigaldeniya.