The celebration of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2025, organized by the University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on October 17, 2025, at the K2-003 Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

Hosted by the University of Kelaniya, this was the first-ever celebration of the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Sri Lanka, held with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO.

Dr. B. D. Nandadeva, a member of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Evaluation Body of UNESCO and a retired professor of the University of Kelaniya, delivered the guest lecture at the event. Ms. Dhammika Wijesinghe, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and Senior Professor Prabhath Jayasinghe, Secretary General, Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, who graced the occasion as distinguished guests, also addressed the gathering.

In addition, research papers were presented by Senior Lecturer Ven. Udawela Rewatha Thero, Head of the Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, on “The Richness and Significance of the Intangible Fundamentals Found in Vāstuśāstra and Astrology”; Senior Professor Swarna Ihalagama, Head of the Department of Sinhala, on “Impact of Climate Change on Rush and Reed Weaving Heritage: The Case of the Cultural City of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka”; and Senior Lecturer Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, on “Heritage in Transition: The Future of Intangible Cultural Practices in Villages around Sigiriya.”

Key highlights of the event included the launch of the draft “University of Kelaniya Policy on Engagement in Safeguarding Sri Lanka’s Intangible Cultural Heritage”, and the screening of the documentary film “The Kandyan Dancer: Exploration of Masculinity,” directed by Senior Lecturer Dulanga Gunarathna of the Department of Fine Arts.

The event was also graced by the presence of Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Dr. C. C. Jayasundara, Librarian; Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Heads of Departments from the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities; academic staff members; and students of the university.