Archaeology Faculty Shined at Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025 

The Ceremony of Long Service Awards and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards - 2025 of the University of Kelaniya was successfully held on the 1st of January 2026 at the Sri Dharmaloka Hall. Conducted under the patronage of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, this annual event serves to recognise the service of both academic and non-academic staff members while encouraging continued excellence. The Department of Archaeology emerged as a prominent highlight of the ceremony, securing multiple prestigious accolades that reflect its commitment to research, international diplomacy, and digital innovation.

Distinguished Honours for Senior Professor Prishanta Gunawardhana

Senior Professor M. D. P. Gunawardhana, Chair of Archaeology, was twice honoured during the ceremony for his profound impact on the university's academic and international standing. He was recognised as the Best Promoter of International Relations in the University, a testament to his efforts in fostering global partnerships. Additionally, he received a formal commendation for his receipt of the State Literary Award 2024 for the Best Original Academic Research Text, one of the nation's highest scholarly honours. As Professor Gunawardhana was away on academic duties, these prestigious awards were accepted on his behalf by Ms Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology.

Excellence in Research: Outstanding Young Researcher

The department’s strength in pioneering research was further solidified by Lecturer Ms G. B. I. Weerasinghe, who won First Place for the Outstanding Young Researcher in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This award highlights the high-impact academic work being produced by the department’s younger faculty members and underscores the Department of Archaeology’s role as a leader in social science research and intellectual inquiry.

Rapid Digital Transformation: Best Department Website

A significant milestone was reached in the category of digital presence, where the Department of Archaeology received a Commendation for the Best Department Website. This achievement was particularly remarkable, as it was accomplished in under two months of intensive development. The award was received by Ms K. V. J. Koshalee, Senior Lecturer and Department Web Associate. The university community specifically noted her immense dedication and tireless efforts in completely revitalising the department’s digital platform within such an extraordinarily short timeframe to reach this competitive university standard.

The ceremony was attended by a host of eminent dignitaries, including Senior Professor N. A. K. P. J. Seneviratne, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC); Deans of Faculties; the Acting Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology; and other principal officers of the university. The Department of Archaeology takes great pride in these achievements, which reflect a legacy of hard work and a collective drive toward academic excellence. We extend our warmest congratulations to all our award-winning staff members for bringing such honour to the department.