The Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya reached a significant milestone in international academic diplomacy as Professor Chandima Bogahawatta, an eminent Archaeologist and Sinologist, delivered a prestigious keynote address at the Maijishan Grottoes Sculpture Forum 2025. Held from September 10th to 13th, 2025, in Tianshui, China, this high-profile forum centred on the theme "Contemporary Re-construction of the Oriental Sculpture Art System." Hosted by the Institute of Maijishan Grottoes Studies, the event served as a global stage for promoting Oriental aesthetics and innovative heritage activation through rigorous scholarly dialogue.

The host city, Tianshui, holds immense archaeological significance as the home of the Maijishan Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's four major grotto complexes. Often celebrated as the "Eastern Sculpture Gallery," the site embodies over 1,600 years of cultural exchange and the Sinicisation of Buddhist art. Professor Bogahawatta’s participation at this site underscored the deep historical connections between the artistic traditions of East and South Asia, highlighting the Department's expertise in the study of trans-regional cultural flows and the evolution of religious iconography.

In his keynote address, titled "Southern Gateways of the Silk Road: The Transmission and Transformation of Buddhist Art and Architecture in Ancient Sri Lanka," Professor Bogahawatta provided a sophisticated analysis of the island nation’s pivotal role as a maritime hub. His lecture traced the complex trajectories of Buddhist artistic forms, examining how ancient Sri Lanka received, indigenized, and ultimately contributed to the revitalisation of these styles within the larger Silk Road network. By connecting maritime routes with inland artistic developments, he offered a fresh perspective on the "Southern Gateway" as a vital link in global heritage history.

This representation stands as a testament to Professor Bogahawatta's profound expertise in Sinology and his commitment to advancing the international profile of the Department of Archaeology. His contribution not only fostered new academic ties between Sri Lanka and China but also reinforced the University of Kelaniya’s status as a leading institution in the study of the Silk Road and Buddhist heritage. The Department extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Bogahawatta for this impactful representation on the world stage, which continues to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan archaeologists.