The Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Kelaniya, proudly hosted the Annual Research and Activity Exchange (Re-Act 2025) Forum on 1st September 2025, with the participation of distinguished academic delegates from Kanazawa University and Chukyo University, Japan.

The day commenced with a warm reception followed by a vibrant exchange of physical and cultural activities between undergraduates of the Sport and Recreation Management programme of the University of Kelaniya and students from Chukyo University. The university playground came alive with energy, highlighting the power of sport as a bridge across cultures.

Parallel to these activities, a research sharing session was held at the Research Centre for Social Sciences, chaired by Senior Lecturer Dr. Charika Wickramarthne. The session featured thought-provoking presentations by Professor Tetsuya Sagawa (Kanazawa University), Professor Takahiro Nakano (Chukyo University), Professor Shohei Kokudo (Chukyo University), Senior Lecturer Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, Head of the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, and Dr. Hashi Peiris from the same department. A central focus was the progress review of joint research initiatives, the ongoing MoU, and the Kelaniya University Exchange Programme (KUEP), co-convened by Professor Sagawa and Dr. Ramanayaka. The active participation of the entire academic staff, including Senior Lecturer Dr. Jayantha Kalansooriya, Senior Lecturer (Mrs.) M. K. A. Anoma Rathnayaka, and Senior Lecturer (Mrs.) W. G. Deepika S. Wehialdeniya, further enriched the academic exchange.

A key highlight of the day was the ceremonial launch of the department’s first-ever e-publications under the leadership of Dr. Nilantha Ramanayaka, supported by editorial members Dr. Jayantha Kalansooriya and Senior Lecturer Deepika S. Wehigaldeniya. The launch introduced Vishrānthi, a bi-annual peer-reviewed journal dedicated to sport and recreation management and physical activity promotion, and Vishrānthi Junior, a pioneering platform for students and young researchers. Alongside these, the department unveiled its Newsletter, designed to share achievements, research insights, and community stories with both local and international audiences. The ceremonial launch, attended by Professors Sagawa, Nakano, and Kokudo, symbolised the strong spirit of international collaboration.

The day concluded with a fellowship lunch, fostering networking and reflection on the achievements of the forum. Later, the Japanese delegates met with Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, where discussions centered on further strengthening academic collaborations and exploring the possibility of a new university-level MoU.

The Re-Act 2025 Forum thus stood as a celebration of academic excellence, cultural exchange, and international partnership, marking another milestone in the Department’s global engagement.

Links -

       01.NEWS LETTER

2. SRMG Publications