The Certificate Awarding Ceremony and Professional Networking Event for the 27th Batch of the Staff Development Program (SDP) for Probationary Lecturers, organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC) of the University of Kelaniya, took place on July 24, 2025, at Hotel Clarion.

During the ceremony, 48 probationary lecturers from the University of Kelaniya and other state and private universities, who successfully completed the 27th cycle of the program, received certificates. The certificates were awarded in three categories: Certificate for Fully Completed Participants, Certificate for Partially Completed Modules, and Special Certificates for the Best Researcher and the Best Portfolio Content Presenter.

The Chief Guest of the event was Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya. The event was also graced by Professor Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the SDC, along with the SDC coordinators of the faculty-level Staff Development Units.

This memorable occasion provided an excellent platform for professional networking while celebrating the achievements of the participants.

The Research Conference on Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (RCSoTL) 2025 was successfully held on 27th June 2025 at the University of Kelaniya under the theme, “Exploring New Frontiers: Advancing Research in Teaching and Learning Excellence.”

The conference was organised by the Staff Development Centre in collaboration with the W.M. Jayarathne Centre for Management Research, the Centre for Excellence in Technology Education, the General Research Committee of SLASS, and the Board of Study in Digital Learning. The event provided a vibrant platform for academics, researchers, and practitioners to share insights and engage in critical dialogue on innovations in higher education.

The proceedings commenced with an Inaugural Ceremony held at the Senate Room of the University. The ceremony included the Welcome Address and Opening Remarks by Dr. Kaumudee Kodikara, Chair of RCSoTL 2025, followed by an address by Professor Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the Staff Development Centre. The Chief Guest, Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, delivered an inspiring speech underscoring the importance of scholarly collaboration in advancing educational excellence. The Keynote Address was presented by Professor Chen Zhi Xiong from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, who spoke on holistic education and the evolving role of educators. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Chathuri Senarath, Secretary of RCSoTL 2025.

The conference programme featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Faculty as Researchers of Teaching,” moderated by Professor Kaushalya Yatigammana, with distinguished panelists including Dr. S. A. D. Samaraweera, National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka; Dr. Laalitha Liyanage, University of Kelaniya; and Dr. Dilmini Karunaratne, University of Dundee, UK.

In addition, a total of 68 presentations, comprising both oral and poster sessions, were delivered by scholars representing a range of disciplines. These presentations explored topics such as curriculum development, assessment and evaluation methods, digital education, and innovative teaching and learning methodologies.

RCSoTL 2025 brought together a diverse community of scholars committed to advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning. The conference facilitated meaningful exchanges, fostered professional networks, and showcased research that will inform educational practice both within Sri Lanka and internationally. 

The first-ever dedicated Staff Development Program aimed at enhancing the professional growth and skills of non-academic staff was held on June 3rd, 2025, at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya.

Organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC), the program was led by its Director, Professor Ravi Dissanayake, in collaboration with Dr. Thumira Gunasena, Staff Development Coordinator from the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Dr. Amila Jeewandara, Coordinator from the Faculty of Computing and Technology.

The presence of Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Professor Dhammika Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology, as honored guests, underscored the university’s strong commitment to investing in the development of all members of its community.

Recognizing the vital role non-academic staff play in the efficient functioning and success of the university, this program was designed to equip them with essential skills that contribute directly to institutional excellence. Sessions led by Professor Ravi Dissanayake focused on critical topics such as “Organizational Accountability,” “Team Communication and Goal-Oriented Behavior,” and “Professional Development and Leadership Skills.”

An additional insightful session was conducted by Dr. Amila Jeewandara, who addressed the role of employees in sustainability and institutional development. The session highlighted key strategies, challenges, and best practices aimed at promoting long-term organizational growth and environmental responsibility.

This inaugural program marks a significant milestone in recognizing non-academic staff as key contributors to the university’s mission. By fostering professional development and leadership capacity among this essential group, the university aims to enhance operational efficiency, boost morale, and cultivate a sustainable, collaborative work environment that supports both individual and institutional advancement.

Looking ahead, initiatives like this will continue to play a vital role in empowering non-academic staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the higher education landscape.

This circle includes participants from different universities and other recognized education institutes other than the applicants of the University of Kelaniya namely University of Moratuwa, Saegis Campus, South-Eastern University, Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies, University of Vocational Technology, Trincomalee Campus,-Eastern University, National Institute of Social Development, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Sabaragamuwa University, University of  Visual and Performing Arts, National Institute of Business Management and  General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. This diverse representation will undoubtedly enrich the active learning experience for all participants.

The inauguration of the program was graced by the esteemed presence of Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya as the Chief Guest. Senior Assistant Registrar Ms. E. W. Iresha Wadugedara and all the coordinators of staff development units of the faculties made their valuable presence on this occasion. The Director of the SDC Prof. Ravi Dissanayake initiated the event followed by formal procedures to successfully conduct the inauguration and the regular sessions with the support of staff members of the SDC.

The program offered by the Staff Development Centre of the University of Kelaniya was the first such program that obtained ISO 9001-2015 Standard Certification in Sri Lanka. It commands as the most sought-after staff development program in Sri Lanka as it commits to quality deliveries and professional service to stakeholders.

Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, graced the event as the chief guest.

53 probationary lecturers from the University of Kelaniya and other state and private universities who completed the 26th cycle of the program received certificates during the ceremony. The certificates were awarded in three categories: 

• Certificate for Fully Completed Participants

• Certificate for Partially Completed Modules

• Special Certificates for the Best Researcher and The Best Portfolio Content Presenter.

Professor Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the SDC, along with probationary lecturers who participated in the Staff Development Program, staff members of the SDC, and all the SDC coordinators of the faculty level also participated in the event. 

This memorable occasion provided an excellent platform for professional networking while celebrating the achievements of the participants.

Workshop on Publishing Extended Abstracts and Concept Research Papers for University Executive Officers 

SDC Program Cycle 26

It was a customized skill development program delivered to Singer Finance PLC connected to customer service excellence and professional behaviors for brand value delivery. The workshop was held on the 16th of March 2024 at the Auditorium of SDC.

Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, Director of the Staff Development Centre was the resource person and he provided valuable insights to the workshop participants. In addition, Mr. Thushan Amarasuriya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Singer Finance PLC also shared his expertise to participants specifying the industry-related norms and best practices.