The Ceremony of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards of the University of Kelaniya was successfully held on the 1^st of January 2025 at the Dharmaloka Hall of the university.

The prime objective of the Ceremony, which has been held annually since 2007, was to appreciate the service of the academic & non-academic staff members during the previous year and encourage them further.

Most Ven. Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thero from the Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, Professor K. A. L. A. Kuruppuarachchi from the Department of Psychiatry, Professor W.A.D. Shirley Lal G. Wijesinghe from the Department of Western Classical Culture and Christian Culture, and Professor R. P. C. Ranjani from the Department of Finance received Emeritus Professor Awards by the University of Kelaniya.

Most Ven. Senior Professor Nedalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero from the Faculty of Humanities; Chair and Senior Professor M. K. Wickramasinghe from the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Professor P. N. Gamage from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Senior Professor K. A. S. Dhammika from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Professor D. de Silva from the Faculty of Medicine; Professor C. Pathirawasam from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Professor U. P. K. Epa from the Faculty of Science; Professor P. N. D. Fernando from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Professor A. N. Salwathura from the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Lecturer Dr. R. C. L. de Silva from the Faculty of Science; Senior Lecturer Dr. W. V. A. D. Karunarathna from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Ms. W. A. I. Mallika, Depaty Bursar of the Salaries and Loans Division; Mr. K. P. M. G. Priyadarshana, Technical Officer (Grade II) of the Department of Drama, Cinema, and Television; Ms. H. J. C. Dharmasena, Senior Staff Management Assistant of the Inter-Faculty Center for Coordinating the Modular System; Ms. R. K. W. S. Yapa, Senior Staff Management Assistant of the Faculty of Humanities; Ms. I. O. A. Kodithuwakku, Staff Management Assistant of the Research and Publication Division; Mr. M. W. A. D. N. Wijesooriya, Staff Assistant (Library Services) of the Library; Ms. P. W. P. Withanage, Staff Assistant (Library Services) of the Library; Mr. W.G.R.I. Kumara, Landscaping Supervisor (Supra Grade) of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. H. A. D. S. M. S. Thirimanna, Telephone Operator (Receptionist) of the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education; Mr. S. M. A. Bandara, Works Aide (Special Grade) of the Department of Hindi Studies; Mr. R. P. Wijethunga, Works Aide (Special Grade) of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Mr. S. H. S. Fernando, Works Aide (Special Grade), Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Humanities; Mr. T. N. Rohitha, Works Aide (Special Grade), Landscape Division of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. K. A. K. P. Kumara, Works Aide (Special Grade) of the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education; Mr. S. H. N. Thilakaratne, Works Aide (Special Grade), Bursar’s Office of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. M. K. S. M. Makandhana, Driver (Grade I) of the General Administrative Division; Mr. W. K. N. Karunathilaka, Plumber (Grade I) of the Works Division; and Mr. W. A. Wimal, Plumber (Grade 1) of the  Works Division received Bronze Plated Medals and Certificates for 25 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category.

Chair and Senior Professor K. A. L. A. Kuruppuarachchi from the Faculty of Medicine; Chair and Senior Professor S. J. de S Hewavisenthi from the Faculty of Medicine; Chair and Senior Professor A. P. Premawardhana from the Faculty of Medicine; Chair and Senior Professor K. L. K. N. C. Premawardhana from the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Professor M. A. N. Karunarathna from the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor K. A. W. Karunasekara from the Faculty of Medicine; Professor R. A. S. P. Senanayaka from the Faculty of Science; Professor J. M. Sudarmawathi from the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor K. M. G. C. K. Amarathunga from the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor B. T. S. D. P. Kannangara from the Faculty of Science; Senior Professor A. M. G. Adhikari from the Postgraduate Institute of Archeology; Mr. N. M. Aruna Shantha, Curator of the Landscape Division; Mr. T. P. Nandalal, Computer Instructor of the Information & Communication Technology Centre; Mr. J. W. A. D. de Silva, Staff Technical Officer (Grade I) of the Department of Family Medicine; Mr. P. V. R. P. Dhammika, Technical Officer (Grade II) of the Department of Physics and Electronics; Ms. R. N. P. Kumari, Senior Staff Management Assistant of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. K. N. Kothalawala, Senior Staff Management Assistant (Shroff) of the Payments Division; Mr. S. A. Rathnapulige, Laboratory Assistant (Special Grade) of the Department of Disability Studies; Mr. H. E. Anura, Senior Pharmacist of the Medical Centre; Mr. I. R. P. Wijayawardhana, Full Time Subwarden (Special Grade) of the Student Affairs Division; Mr. S. H. Lalith Kumara, Office Assistant of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. K. D. A. Nandasumithra, Office Assistant of the Department of Physical Education; Mr. B. S. Perera, Works Aide (Special Grade) of the Landscape Division; Mr. R. M. P. Kumarasinghe, Driver (Grade II) of the General Administrative Division; Mr. H. P. Abeywardhana, Lorry Cleaner (Grade III)of the General Administrative Division; and Mr. A. A. J. B. Amarasinghe, Lorru Cleaner (Grade III) of the General Administrative Division received Silver Plated Medals and Certificates for 30 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category.

Professor E. M. Hewabowala of the Faculty of Humanities; Senior Professor D. W. R. K. Somadewa from the Postgraduate Institute of Archeology; Ms. C. M. Abeygunasekara, Senior Assistant Librarian of the Library; Mr. L. A. Sumith Jayasekara, Senior Assistant Registrar of the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies; Ms. M. D. A. S. R. Kudahetti, Senior Staff Management Assistant of the Academic Division; Ms. D. D. S. C. Dangalle, Senior Staff Management Assistant of the Faculty of Medicine; and Mr. H. A. M. Abesiri, Laboratory Assistant of the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology received Gold Plated Medals and Certificates for 35 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category.  

Late Senior Professor I. K. Jayasekara from the Department of Humanities and Senior Professor N. G. J. Dias of the Faculty of Computing and Technology received Plaques and Certificates for 40 Years of Continuous Service under the Long Service Awards category.

Mr. P. H. U. Nissanka, Senior Assistant Bursar of the Accounts Division; Mr. K. M. P. K. Perera, Senior Computer Operator of the Academic Branch; Mrs. R. P. P. Tharangi, Staff Management Assistant of the Non-Academic Establishments Division; Mr. M. D. Liyanage, Staff Management Assistant of the Accounts Branch; Mr. M. G. A. U. K. Wijerathna, Management Assistant Grade II of the Non-Academic Establishments; Mrs. I. N. Samarasekara, Management Assistant Grade III of the Payments Division; Mrs. E. V. S. N. Jayanandana, Management Assistant Grade III of the Non-Academic Establishments; Mr. E. G. R. Chaminda, Driver Special Grade of the Transport Services; Mr. G. C. P. Gunasekara, Driver Grade I of the Transport Services; Mr. D. A. T. P. Dangalla, Driver Grade I of the Transport Services; Mr. W. M. S. S. Udayakumara, Driver Grade I of the Transport Services; Mr. B. A. A. N. Balasooriya, Driver Grade II of the Transport Services; Mr. T. A. S. Sandaruwan, Driver Grade II of the Transport Services; Mr. R. M. C. B. Rathnayaka, Driver Grade II of the Transport Services; Mr. R. M. P. Kumarasinghe, Driver Grade II of the Transport Services; Mr. Y. R. I. G. N. Rajarathna, Works Aide Grade III of the General Administrations; Mr. T. M. R. S. Bandara, Works Aide Grade III of the Landscape Division; Mr. W. G. C. P. Watagodagedara, Works Aide Grade III of the Landscape Division; Mr. L. C. P. A. Fernando, Works Aide Grade III of the Landscape Division; Mr. A. P. Keerthisinghe, Works Aide Grade III of the Landscape Division; and Mr. K. M. T. S. Kulathunga, Health service Labourer Grade III of the Landscape Division received certificates under the category, Vice-chancellor’s Awards for Executive Officers, Academic Support Staff and Non-academic Staff in 2024.

Mrs. Ama Abayawardhana, Management Assistant Grade III of the Salaries & Loans Division and Ms. R. C. de A. Senevirathna, Management Assistant Grade III of the Payments Division received Bronze Medals and certificates under the category, Vice-chancellor’s Awards for Executive Officers, Academic Support Staff and Non-academic Staff in 2024.

Mr. N. M. Arunashantha, Curator Grade II of the Landscape Division; Mr. A. H. Dileep, Programmer cum System Analyst of the Faculty of Science; Mr. H. P. Sudusinghe, Chief Technical Officer of the Faculty of Medicine; Ms. E. M. N. D. Ekanayaka, Assistant Student Counsellor of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. A. T. Kannangara, Technical Officer Grade I of the Department of Chemistry; Mr. S. A. A. K. Sooriyaarachchi, Technical Officer Grade I of the Department of Chemistry; Ms. M. B. Solangaarachchige, Technical Officer ICT Grade III of the Examination Unit - Faculty of Medicine; and Mr. M. G. K. D. Buddhi Kumara, Management Assistant Grade III of the HRIS Unit received Silver Medals and certificates under the category, Vice-chancellor’s Awards for Executive Officers, Academic Support Staff and Non-academic Staff in 2024.

Mr. D. M. N. Bandara, Chief Security officer and Covering Chief Marshal; Mr. W. M. M. G. C. Mahakumbura, Assistant Network Manager of the Faculty of Medicine; Mrs. K. S. Gajasinghe; Staff Assistant/Library Services of the Main Library; Mr. D. D. D. Withanage, Full Time Sub Warden Grade II of the Faculty of Medicine; and Mr. W. M. J. M. Welagedara, Technical Officer (ICT) Grade III of the Department of Mathematics received Gold Medals and certificates under the category, Vice-chancellor’s Awards for Executive Officers, Academic Support Staff and Non-academic Staff in 2024.

Mr. K. B. S. L. Wijeratne, Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Mrs. H. K. D. W. M. S. K. Hapuhinna, Deputy Registrar of the Academic Division & Acting Deputy Registrar of the Research & Publications Division; Mr. D. I. K. Solangarachchi, Systems Engineer Grade I of the Faculty of Medicine; Mr. S. Manivannan, Senior Assistant Registrar of the CDCE; Ms. S. C. Wickcramanayake, Assistant Bursar of the CDCE; Mr. G. L. N. C. Kumarasiri, Library Information Assistant Grade I of the Main Library; and Mr. A. S. P. Ahangama, Library Information Assistant Grade III of the Main Library received plaques and certificates under the category, Vice-chancellor’s Awards for Executive Officers, Academic Support Staff and Non-academic Staff in 2024.

Prof. C. D. S. Wettewe, Director of the Career Guidance Unit; Senior Lecturer R. S. G. Rajapaksha, Director of the Communication & Media Unit; Dr. E. J. A. Samarakoon, Director of the Confucius Institute; Senior Lecturer  G. H. B. A. de Silva, Director of the Centre for Digital Communication; Dr. P. W. Samarasekere, Director of the Industry Interaction Cell for Computing & Technology; Prof. K. L. K. N. C. Premawardhena, Director of the Centre for International Affairs; Dr. K. R. N. Harshani, Director of the Kalana Mithuru Sewana; Prof. C. Pathirawasam,  Director of the Centre for Quality Assurance; Dr. R. A. C. P. Rajapakse, Director of the Centre for Strategic Planning & University Statistics; and Dr. C. W. Subasinghe, Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions received plaques and certificates under the commendations for Successful Directors of the Centers/ Units in 2024.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2024 honored outstanding contributions to the university's digital presence by recognizing the most impactful websites across several categories. In the Best Centre/Unit/Division category, the Centre for International Studies secured first place, receiving a plaque and a certificate, while the Career Guidance Unit and the Confucius Institute were awarded second and third places, respectively, with certificates. The Department of Public Health topped the Best Department category, receiving a plaque and a certificate, followed by the Department of Mass Communication in second place and the Department of Linguistics in third, both receiving certificates. In the Best Postgraduate Institute category, the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology claimed first place with a plaque and a certificate, and the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies earned second place with a certificate. Under the Best Faculty category, the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies secured first place with a plaque and a certificate, followed by the Faculty of Social Sciences in second place and the Faculty of Science in third, both receiving certificates. The Overall Best Web Category award, recognizing the best website in the university, was won by the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education, which received a plaque and a certificate, while the Library and UoK Today secured second and third places, respectively, with certificates.

The scholars who brought honour to the university in 2024 were commended during the ceremony. Accordingly, Professor N. Jayathilaka from the Department of Chemistry; Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and a Senior Professor from the Department of Physics and Electronics; Prof. J. A. Liyanage from the Department of Chemistry; and Professor N. A. K. P. J. Senevirathne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Former Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies received medals under the Presidential Awards for Inventions (2017-2020), which was held on 1^st of August 2024 at the BMICH. Professor M. B. K. C. Dayasiri from the Department of Pediatrics received a medal for being recognized as the Most Outstanding Young Researcher by the Committee of Vice-chancellors and Directors, Sri Lanka. Chair and Senior Professor L. B. D. R. P. Wijesundara from the Department of Physics and Electronics received a medal for being recognized as the Most Outstanding Senior Researcher by the Committee of Vice-chancellors and Directors, Sri Lanka. Professor K. P. R. N. Attanayake from the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology received a medal for being named as one of the top 100 Scientists by the Asia by Asian Scientist Magazine in 2024. Dr. A. M. C. H. Attanayake from the Department of Statistics and Computer Science received a medal for receiving SLAAS Postgraduate Research Award 2023 at the 79^th Annual Session of SLAAS held in December 2023. Dr. K. H. W. L. de Silva from the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology received a medal for receiving the Best Scientific Award for Research on Mangroves’ Potential to Combat Climate Change at the 2^nd International Conference on Mangroves for Sustainability. Mr. N. P. A. Subasinghe from the Department of Drama, Cinema, and Television received a medal for receiving the Best Costume Award for the play Indrajalika Premawanthiya at the State Drama Festival 2022, held on the 19^th of December 2023. Dr. W. A. P. L. Wanigasooriya from the Department of Library and Information Science received a medal for winning the Best Innovator of the Year Award 2024 by the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka. Chair and Professor D. S. G. Mettananda from the Department of Paediatrics received a medal for being elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, Sri Lanka in 2024. Professor D. S. G. Mettananda, Chairman of the Research Council; Dr. R. L. C. S. Pushpakumara, Former Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Dr. R. A. C. P. Rajapaksha, Director of the Strategic Planning & Data Monitoring Unit; Dr. A. P. R. Wickramarachchi, Director of the ICT Centre; Dr. C. W. Subasinghe, Director of the Centre for Sustainability Solutions; and Senior Lecturer G. H. B. A. de Silva, University Web Maser were appreciated for outstanding selfless and dedicated service provided as the members of the University Ranking Committee 2023/2024.

Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Research, Innovation and Creative Works in 2024. From the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, Professor H. A. K. N. S. Surangi was awarded as the researcher with the highest number of publications in indexed journals. Dr. D. M. N. S. W. Dissanayaka, Ms. E. Rebecca and Mrs. M. D. R. Harshani, and Mrs. W. B. M. D. Basnayake and Ms. A. G. H. S. K. Wijerathna won first place, second place, and merit awards respectively for the Outstanding Young Researchers in the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies. Professor H. A. K. N. S. Surangi, Professor K. G. M. Nanayakkara, and Professor U. L. T. P. Gunasekara won first place, second place, and merit awards respectively for the Outstanding Researchers in the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies.

From the Faculty of Computing & Technology, Dr. I. W. Siriwardane was awarded as the recipient of the highest amount of external research grants.

From the Faculty of Humanities, Senior Professor K. L. K. N. C. Premawardhene was awarded as the Outstanding Researcher in the Faculty of Humanities.

From the Faculty of Medicine, Cadre Chair and Senior Professor P. A. S. Edirisinghe was awarded as the recipient of the highest amount of external research grants in the Faculty of Medicine. Cadre Chair and Professor D. S. G. Mettananda was awarded as the researcher with the highest number of publications in indexed journals in the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. A. K. A. B. Baminiwatta and Dr. K. W. S. M. Wijayawardhana won first place and second place respectively for the Outstanding Young Researchers in the Faculty of Medicine. Cadre Chair and Professor D. S. G. Mettananda, Professor K. C. D. Mettananda, and Professor D. de Silva and Professor W. W. M. L. Chandradasa won first place, second place, and merit awards respectively for the Outstanding Researchers in the Faculty of Medicine.

From the Faculty of Science, Dr. H. A. K. Ranasinghe received the Merit Award and Professor D. S. M. de Silva received the Award for the recipient of the highest amount of external research grants in the Faculty of Science. Professor D. S. M. de Silva was awarded as the researcher with the highest number of publications in indexed journals in the Faculty of Science. Dr. A. G. M. J. Gunaratna and Professor D. A. D. A. Daranagama won first and second places respectively for the Outstanding Young Researchers in the Faculty of Science, while Dr. Dr. I. U. Hewapathirana, Dr. J. N. Dahanayake, Dr. K. Subasinghe, Dr. B. M. T. Kumarika, Dr. W. G. C. Kumarage, Dr. K. C. Ayanthi, Dr. K. R. T. V. Mahanama, and Dr. H. A. K. Ranasinghe received Merit Awards for the Outstanding Young Researchers in the Faculty of Science.

Professor D. S. M. de Silva and Dr. H. A. C. C. Perera won first and second places respectively for the Outstanding Researchers in the Faculty of Science, while Senior Prof. J. A. Liyanage, Senior Prof. L. D. Amarasinghe, Prof. G. A. S. M. Ganehiarachchi, Prof. U. P. K. Epa, Prof. W. M. D. N. Wijerathne, Prof. P. A. S. R. Wickramarachchi, Prof. B. T. S. D. P. Kannangara, Prof. M. D. M. D. W. M. M. K. Yatawara, Prof. V. P. A. Weerasinghe, Prof. K. M. D. C. Jayathilaka, Prof. N. V. Chandrasekara, Prof. R. M. C. S. Rathnayake, Prof. M. P. Deeyamulla, Dr. R. C. L. de Silva, Dr. R. A. C. P. Rajapakse, Dr. R. P. G. K. Rajapaksha, Dr. B. G. N. Sewwanadi, Dr. C. C. Kadigamuwa, and Dr. K. H. W. L. de Silva received Merit Awards for the Outstanding Researchers in the Faculty of Science.

From the Faculty of Social Sciences, Mrs. W. M. M. S. K. Werake was awarded as the Outstanding Young Researcher in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

During the event, university-wide awards were also awarded. Accordingly, Senior Pofessor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Senior Professor L. B. D. R. P. Wijesundera, Prof. K. M. D. C. Jayathilaka, Prof. A. L. A. K. Ranaweera, Dr. J. A. Senevirathna, and Dr. P. L. A. K. Piyumal were awarded as the Best Innovators/Inventors in the University, as a group. Dr. K. R. N. Harshani was awarded as the academic with the most outstanding creative literary work in the university. Professor M. D. P. Gunawardhana was awarded as the Best Promoter of international relations in the university. Professor D. S. M. de Silva was awarded as the researcher with the most publications from university (internal) research grants. The Faculty of Science was honoured as the faculty with the highest number of research papers presented in research conferences/symposia organized by it and its departments/centers/units.

At the end of the ceremony all the staff members of the Academic Establishments Division were appreciated for the service rendered in organizing the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards Ceremony of the University of Kelaniya since 2007.

Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Deans of Faculties, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaelogy, Librarian, and Registrar 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. 

 

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