Students of the Department of Archaeology Honoured at Faculty Excellence Awards (Dean's List) 2025 

Posted on Monday, 05 January 2026

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya is proud to celebrate the exceptional academic success of its students who were recently named to the prestigious Dean’s List at the Faculty Excellence Awards 2025. Held on January 2nd, 2026, at the Faculty Auditorium, the ceremony served as a formal recognition of students from the Academic Year 2022/2023 who demonstrated outstanding scholastic performance and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This distinction is reserved for those who have maintained superior Grade Point Averages, reflecting a high level of discipline, critical thinking, and a deep-seated passion for their respective fields of study.

The department noted with immense pride that its awardees represent the pinnacle of academic standards within both the Archaeology Honours and the Tourism & Cultural Resource Management (TCRM) Honours degree programs. These students have consistently showcased their ability to navigate complex archaeological theories and strategic heritage management frameworks. A standout moment of the evening was the celebration of near-perfect scores across the board, including a remarkable and flawless GPA of 4.00 achieved by a student within the TCRM Level II category, representing the highest possible academic attainment in the faculty.

Within the Archaeology Honours Degree Programme, the department recognised two exemplary students for their dedication to the study of material remains and cultural history. G. S. Lakshani Nimeshika Sumanasiri was honoured at Level III for achieving a commendable GPA of 3.79, while W. H. M. Oshadi Gimhani Wijesinghe received recognition at Level II for maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.90. These achievements underscore the rigorous research capabilities and analytical skills fostered within the department’s core archaeology curriculum.

The Tourism & Cultural Resource Management (TCRM) Honours program also featured an extensive list of high achievers who have successfully navigated the intersection of heritage preservation and sustainable tourism. At Level III, the honours were led by Mayuri Thirsha Suwaris Abeysekare with a GPA of 3.97, followed by Ukwaththe Gedara Kavindya Sewwandi Jayathissa at 3.92, Kodagoda Addarage Imali Udeshika at 3.83, and Wellana Gamage Yasanthika Nuwanjala at 3.82. The Level II cohort was headlined by Hapuarachchige Dona Vishuddhi Kawshalya, who reached the milestone of a 4.00 GPA, alongside Herath Mudhiyanselage Adhithya Imashali at 3.91, Kawya Samanalee Jayathilaka at 3.87, Thuwan Tharushi Najeema Seinudeen at 3.83, Gamaralalage Pawani Seshadee Gamage at 3.82, and Ranaweerage Visalma Rashipaba at 3.75.

The Department of Archaeology extends its warmest congratulations to all Dean’s List recipients for their tireless dedication and perseverance. These achievements not only mark significant personal milestones for the students but also elevate the academic standing of the Department and the University of Kelaniya as a whole. As these future scholars and professionals continue their academic journeys, the department looks forward to their continued contributions to the fields of archaeology and heritage management, confident that they will play a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of Sri Lanka.