In accordance with the safety guidelines, precautions, and protocols Long Service Awards and Vice- Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony of the University of Kelaniya was held on the 03rd of January 2022 at the Dharmaloka Hall of the University.

The prime objective of the Long Service Awards and Vice- Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony which is being held annually since 2007, was to appreciate the service of the academic & non-academic staff members during the last year and further to encourage them.

Mr. N.L. Chandrathilaka - Laboratory Assistant (Special Grade) of the Faculty of Science was awarded a wall plaque for 40 years of Continuous and Meritorious Service.10 academic & non-academic staff members received Gold Plated Medals and Certificates for 35 years of Continuous and Meritorious Service. Further, 27 academic & non-academic staff members received Silver-Plated Medals and Certificates for 30 years of Continuous and Meritorious Service while 41 academic & non-academic staff members received Bronze Plated Medals and Certificates for 25 years of Continuous and Meritorious Service. Moreover, 27 academic staff members received Vice- Chancellor's awards for bringing honor to the university by winning prestigious national or international awards and 05 Emeritus Professors were recognized and awarded.

Prof. D. S. G. Mettananda, Department of Paediatrics won the award for the Outstanding Senior Researcher of the Faculty of Medicine while Senior Lecturer Dr. E. P. D. S. Ediriweera won its second place. Also, Prof. H. T. C. S. Abeysena, Prof. U. K. Ranawaka, Prof. K. C. D. Mettananda and Dr. A. Hapangama won its merit awards.

Senior Lecturer Dr. M. P. N. Janadari, Department of Human Recourse Management won the award for the Outstanding Senior Researchers of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies while Senior Lecturer Dr. A. M. I. Lakshan, Department of Accountancy won its second place respectively.

Prof. B. T. S. D. P. Kannangara, Department of Plant and Molecular Biology won the award for the Outstanding Senior Researchers of the Faculty of Science and Prof. W. M. D. N. Wijeyaratne, Department of Zoology and Environmental Management won its second place. Moreover, 19 academic members won merit awards for the Outstanding Senior Researchers in the Faculty of Science while the Librarian, Dr. C.C. Jayasundara received an award as the Outstanding Senior Researcher in the Library.

Senior Lecturer Dr. A.P. Halmillawewa, Department of Microbiology received the award for the Most Outstanding Recipient of the External Research Grants in the Faculty of Science. Also, Dr. T.R. Premathilaka received an award for the Most Outstanding Recipient of External Research Grants in the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology. Senior Lecturer Dr. E.P.D.S. Ediriweera, Head of the Health Data Science Unit received an award for the Researcher with the Highest Number of Publications in Indexed Journals in the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. L.D. Amarasinghe, Department of Zoology and Environmental Management received an award for the Researcher with the Highest Number of Publications in Indexed Journals in the Faculty of Science and Senior Prof. N.A.K.P.J. Senevirathna, Department of Chemistry received an award as the Researcher with the most publications from University (Internal) research grants. Senior Prof. N.A.K.P.J. Seneviratne & Prof. N. Jayathilaka, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science received awards for the best innovators/inventors in the University.

Prof. K. L. K. N. C. Premawardhena-Director of the Centre for International Affairs, Prof. C.D.S. Wettewe-Director of the Career Guidance Unit & Senior Lecturer Dr. M.R.K.N. Yatigammana - Director of the National E-Learning Resource Centre were awarded the most successful directors of the center/unit/committee of the University. The best Promoter of International Relations at the University was received by Senior Lecturer Dr. D.T.D. Warnakulasooriya in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine. Moreover, Professor S.N.J.K. Mendis, Faculty of Medicine, Senior Lecturer Dr. U.P. Liyanage, Faculty of Science, Probationary Lecturer G.A.M. Karunarathna, Faculty of Humanities and Lecturer (Probationary) Dr. S.S. Withana, Faculty of Medicine were awarded as the academics with the most outstanding creative production in the University.

Lecturer (Probationary) Dr. A. K. A. B. Baminiwatta, Department of Psychiatry won award for the Outstanding Early Career Researchers of Faculty of Medicine, Prof. P. A. D. H. N. Gunatilake, Department of Parasitology won its second place while Lecturer Dr. A. A. L. K. Athauda, Department of Public Health won its merit awards respectively. 

Lecturer S. I. Wijenayake, Department of Marketing won award for the Outstanding Early Career Researcher of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies. Senior Lecturer Dr. R. P. Wanigatunge won award for the Outstanding Early Career Researchers of the Faculty of Science, Lecturer Dr. D. A. D. A. Daranagama, Department of Plant and Molecular Biology won its second place and Lecturer Mr. T. D. Kodituwakku won its merit award. The Heads of Units, Councils, and Centers were also appreciated for their outstanding and selfless dedication.

Letter of Appreciation was awarded to Mr.  K.B.S.L. Wijeratne, Senior Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for honoring the university though outstanding contribution and commitment to design and implementation of the Information Management System of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and for honoring the university. Also, letters of appreciation were awarded for Doctor R.M.C.S. Ratnayake - Chief Medical Officer and 19 staff members of the Medical Center for the direct contribution to the continuous services during the outbreak of the Covid -19 pandemic to ensure the health and safety though conducting with PCR & RAT test rendered to the university staff.

Further Mr. G.A.S.D.P Bandara, Technical Officer of the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology of the Faculty of Science, received an appreciation letter for the outstanding contribution made to repair, restore the PCR machine which save about Rs. 700,000 / - to the University and supporting the management sector.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Postgraduate Institutes, Librarian, Registrar & Bursar were among the participants of this special ceremony. All the awards, medals and certificates were distributed by the Vice-Chancellor Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva. Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, academic & non-academic staff members were among distinguished guests.