International Postgraduate Research Conference organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya was held on the 05th of December 2018 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences. “Multidisciplinary Research for Sustainable Development: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward” was the theme of the conference which was held with the objective of reducing the gap between outcomes of research and their usage in sustainable development of the country.

Around 205 research papers from multidisciplinary fields that addressed issues and emerging concepts relevant to Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, Medical Science, Commerce & Management Studies and Computing & Technology were presented at the conference

The event which was being organized for the 19th consecutive time, provided a platform for practitioners, academics, policy makers, researchers and postgraduate students to share their experience and expertise by presenting high- quality research.

Dr. Kunihiro Hamada, Vice- Chancellor of the Shinshu University delivered the keynote speech of the conference while the event was graced by Prof. D.M. Semasinghe, Vice- Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya as the Chief Guest. Moreover, Prof. Kiyoshi Tanaka, Deputy Vice- Chancellor of the Shinshu University, Senior Prof. Lakshman Senevirathne, Deputy Vice- Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Prof. Ariyarathne Jayamaha, Dean- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Postgraduate Institutes, Senior Lecturer Ven. Dr. Kapugollewe Anandakiththi Thero, Chief Student Counsellor, Cadre Chair & Senior Prof. N.P. Sunil- Chandra, Chairman- Research Council, Directors, Chairmen & Heads of Units, Councils & Centres, academic staff members, administrative & non- academic staff members, Postgraduate students and researchers were present at the occasion.

The Skill Development Programme oraganized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Kelaniya was held on the 04th of November 2018 at Hotel Clarion, Kiribathgoda. The prime objective of this programme was to improve skills of postgraduate (MPhil and PhD) students in Statistical Analysis, Information Literacy, Research Methodologies and Scientific Writing.

The programme was held under two sessions and the sessions were conducted by Prof. P.M.C. Thilakarathne, Director- Centre for Distance and Continuing Education and Dr. W.M.C.B. Wanninayake, Director- Staff Development Centre.

The participants were made aware of the data collection and analysis techniques, technical aspects of empirical research and how to develop through the understanding of fundamental theoretical ideas and logic of research.

Prof. Ariyarathne Jayamaha, Dean- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Prof. Patrick Rathnayake, Dean- Faculty of Humanities, Senior Lecturer Dr. P.N.D. Fernando, Dean- Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, Senior Lecturer Dr. W.V.A.D. Karunarathne, Coordinator of the Skill Development Programme, Senior Lecturer Dr. G.W.J.S. Fernando, Coordinator of MPhil and PhD programmes- Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, Senior Lecturer Dr. D.M.S. De Silva, Director- Research Centre of Faculty of Science, Mr. B.A.N. Krishantha, Deputy Registrar- Exam Branch, Mr. K.B.S.L. Wijerathne, Senior Assistant Registrar- FGS, Mr. H.M.N.C. Herath, Deputy Bursar- FGS graced the occasion which was held under the patronage of Cadre Chair and Senior Prof. N.P. Sunil Chandra, Chairman- Research Council.