The “Shantha Bandara Memorial Inter-University Debate Tournament,” organized by the Literary Sub-Committee of the Students’ Union of the University of Peradeniya, was held in conjunction with the Student Literary Festival titled “Māgē dēśaya avadi karanu mäna,” on the 26^th of October 2024 at the University of Peradeniya.

In a remarkable achievement, the debate team of the University of Kelaniya claimed the all-island championship title for the third consecutive year.

During the tournament, the University of Kelaniya’s debate team faced the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in the first round, securing a win by the jury's unanimous decision. In the quarterfinals, the team triumphed over the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, again with a unanimous jury decision. In the semi-finals, the team bested the University of Peradeniya with a split decision of 5:3. Finally, they emerged victorious in the final round by defeating Sri Lanka Law College with a jury’s split decision of 5:3.

Furthermore, Sanka Daminda from the University of Kelaniya’s debate team was recognized as the tournament's Best Debater.

Sanka Daminda, Sahan Seneviratne, Asela de Silva, Chamal Wickramasinghe, Nipuni Udara, Abhisheka Pasindu, Kulana Jasasinghe, and Arjun Dilshan joined the tournament representing the University of Kelaniya.