Professor Emeritus of Medicine Janaka de Silva was awarded the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Science (Vidya Chakrawarthi), by the University of Kelaniya at its 132nd convocation, held at the BMICH on the 27th of February 2023.

 The ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Aggamahapanditha Most Ven. Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Maha Thera. The award was made for, “The exceptional contribution made by Professor de Silva to the medical profession both nationally and internationally, as a research scholar par excellence, as a teacher and mentor for generations of young academics and professionals, as an administrator who has been instrumental in transforming medical education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and as an inspiring national role model”. The citation was read by Senior Professor Janaki Hewavisenthi, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine.

In his acceptance speech, Professor de Silva briefly addressed the convocation on “Reflections on Research in Sri Lanka”.
Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Deans of the Faculties, Registrar, Academic and Non-Academic Staff, graduands and their families graced the event.