Special Guest Lecture on Nepalese Buddhist Heritages and Archaeological Sites Successfully Concluded 

Posted on Friday, 09 January 2026

The Department of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya reached a significant academic milestone on January 7th, 2026, with the successful conclusion of a landmark guest lecture titled "Nepalese Buddhist Heritages and Archaeological Sites: Prospects for Tourism." Held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, the event served as a pioneering initiative organised by the Archaeology Students’ Society specifically to broaden the academic horizons of the undergraduate student body. This collaboration underscored the leadership and organisational excellence of the department’s students, positioning them as key drivers of international academic exchange within the university.

The keynote session was conducted by Dr Naresh Shakya, the Founder Principal of Aksheswar Traditional Buddhist Art College and a globally recognised authority on Newah Buddhist Art and Nepalese traditions. Dr Shakya provided the undergraduate audience with a sophisticated masterclass, offering an in-depth exploration of Nepal’s sacred archaeological landscapes. His presentation bridged the gap between ancient "living heritage" and the strategic demands of contemporary sustainable cultural tourism, offering vital insights into how the Nepalese region preserves its history while fostering economic growth through responsible tourism practices.

The proceedings were characterised by professional precision, beginning with the seamless guidance of the Junior Editor, Lumbini Warnasooriya, who served as the event's compere. The session was formally inaugurated with a welcome address by Ms Umanga Rammungoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, who highlighted the department’s ongoing vision for providing undergraduate students with high-level international exposure. Following the welcome, Oshadi Wijesinghe, President of the Archaeology Students’ Society, introduced the guest speaker with a formal citation that established a rigorous scholarly tone for the afternoon. The event concluded with a comprehensive vote of thanks delivered by Kavishi Nadeema, Secretary of the Archaeology Students’ Society, who expressed gratitude to all those who supported this student-led undertaking.

Reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the subject, the lecture drew a capacity crowd, demonstrating the wide-reaching appeal of Nepalese heritage studies. The assembly included distinguished academic staff from the Departments of International Studies, Philosophy, and Pali and Buddhist Studies, alongside a "heavy crowd" of enthusiastic undergraduate students. This diverse audience, representing the Archaeology, Tourism, and Cultural Resource Management (CRM), as well as Pali and Buddhist Studies undergraduate streams, emphasised the growing relevance of archaeological research within the broader context of global cultural resource management and regional diplomacy.

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to the university’s academic discourse, the Head of the Department of Archaeology presented a special token of appreciation and a commemorative gift to Dr Naresh Shakya on behalf of both the Department and the Archaeology Students’ Society. This guest lecture stands as a powerful testament to the Department of Archaeology’s unwavering commitment to academic rigour for its undergraduate members. By connecting the student body with world-class heritage experts, the Department continues to foster a new generation of scholars equipped to navigate and preserve the complex and sacred cultural landscapes of Nepal and the wider South Asian region.