A special guest lecture, organized by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on October 29, 2025, at the Board Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The lecture was delivered by Professor Eric Steinhauer of the University of Hagen, Germany, on the German Library System and Librarianship.

During his presentation, Professor Steinhauer provided an in-depth overview of the organizational structure, governance, and professional standards of libraries in Germany. He also highlighted the unique services offered by German libraries, including their advanced digital infrastructure, open access initiatives, and community-oriented programs. Furthermore, he discussed the current trends and emerging challenges in German librarianship, such as digital transformation, copyright issues, and professional ethics.

The session was followed by an engaging interactive discussion, where postgraduate students raised thoughtful questions and shared their reflections on how these international practices could be adapted within the Sri Lankan library context.

The event was graced by Dr. Priyanwada Wanigasooriya, Head of the Department; Carder Chair and Senior Professor M. K. Weerasinghe; Senior Professor W. A. Weerasooriya; and Dr. Wathsala Athukorala, Deputy Librarian, Sri Palee Campus, University of Colombo, along with academic staff members and postgraduate students of the department.

The lecture provided an inspiring and intellectually stimulating experience, broadening participants’ global perspectives on modern librarianship and library management practices.