The International Multidisciplinary Desk Research Conference 2025 (DRC 2025), organised for the third consecutive year by the Library of the University of Kelaniya, was held with resounding success on October 31, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Computing and Technology.

This flagship academic event has now become one of the largest and most intellectually vibrant multidisciplinary research forums in Sri Lanka, drawing together over 600 registered participants, 27 session chairs, and 30 rapporteurs. It provides an influential platform for local and international scholars to share evidence-based insights derived from desk and secondary research, fostering innovation and collaboration across diverse disciplines.

The conference was graced by the presence of Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Hon. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, who attended as the Chief Guest, and Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, honoured the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

This year’s conference featured an outstanding lineup of five keynote lectures delivered by eminent scholars representing multiple disciplines, symbolising the spirit of intellectual diversity that defines DRC: Emeritus Professor Mudiyanse Dissanayake, University of the Visual and Performing Arts; Professor Nuwan Kodagoda, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT); Professor Praneeth Abeysundara (Retired), University of Sri Jayewardenepura; Dr. Dulani Kottahachchi, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya; Professor Lasanthi Manaranjanie, Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya.

Their thought-provoking presentations spanned themes of artistic expression, technological innovation, social transformation, medical advancement, and cultural resilience, enriching the multidisciplinary dialogue that the conference promotes.

Also in attendance were Professor Sachith Meththananda, Chairman of the Research Council of the University of Kelaniya; Dr. C. C. Jayasundara, University Librarian and Conference Advisor; Mrs. Sajeewanie Rubasinghe, Conference Chair, DRC 2025; along with academic and non-academic staff from all faculties, library professionals, and a distinguished array of research presenters from universities and research institutions across the country.

The conference reaffirmed the University of Kelaniya Library’s leadership in fostering multidisciplinary scholarship through innovative approaches to desk-based and secondary research. It also emphasised the growing importance of evidence synthesis, data-driven policy insights, and meta-analytical research in shaping modern academia and informed decision-making.

With its continued success, DRC 2025 stands as a milestone in Sri Lanka’s academic landscape, promoting a culture where research becomes an integral part of everyday civic and professional life, and where collective knowledge guides progress, informs policy, and fosters sustainable development.