Welcoming Ceremony of the New Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Aggamahapandit Most Ven. Prof. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Maha Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Kithsiri Mewan Vihara, Former Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies was held on the 25th of November 2021 at the Senate Room of the University of Kelaniya.

Cadre Chair & Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice- Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Deans, Heads of Departments, Academic Staff Members, Senate Members, University Council Members, Administrative Officers, and Non-Academic Staff Members attended this occasion.

Newly appointed Chancellor delivered the anushasanawa by sharing some unique thoughts.

"This university is not a new place for me. Back in 1974 when I first stepped University of Kelaniya, there were no facilities like this. There was only the building of the Faculty of Science. We did the studies with less facilities. But we spent the time happily. We were able to sharp up our knowledge under the guidance of academics like Mr. W. S. Karunarathna, Prof. Jayawickrama, Ven. Kakkapalliye Anuruddha Nayaka Thera, Prof. Marasingha. Later, it led me to share my knowledge as a lecturer with students for almost twenty-five years again in this blessed place after my postgraduate studies. University of Kelaniya and University of Sri Jayawardenepura are two universities enriched by the piriven culture which was born to nurture language studies and humanities in Sri Lanka. Parallelly, many universities in the world have started in a religious background. Catholic Church started the world-renowned Harvard University in 1935. It started as a place which trained priests. Today, it has become a university of excellence in the whole world. Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are also still devoted towards their religious foundation. I truly thank Mr. Sarath Amunugama who served as a Vice-Chancellor who took the step in right direction after observing to make the needed atmosphere. It led the construction of parapet focusing the Bodhiya. University of Kelaniya and University of Sri Jayawardenepura both should be appreciated for preserving the founding qualities over the years. We should take attempts to focus on subjects like Dhamma Studies, Logic and Philosophy which helped in strengthening Vidyalankara Pirivena and the piriven education while introducing new subjects. I belive that we will get an opportunity to make this a success in a solid way. We all expect to do greater good to the university community and the country. Therefore, I suggest working together to achieve our goals in future."

Vice-Chancellor did the welcome speech. Ven. Dr. Malwane Chandaratana Thero, Chairman- Kelaniya University Teachers' Association did a well wishes speech. Welcoming ceremony ended with the thank you speech made by Mr. Kithsiri Dharmathilaka, Registrar.