Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies - GWUIM

14/04/2026

Happy Sinhala and Tamil New Year! 🙏🌞✨

May this joyous season of Avurudu bring harmony, prosperity, and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Let this New Year fill your life with new hopes, fresh beginnings, and countless blessings.

Wishing you peace, good health, and success in the year ahead!

Best Wishes from,
EcoNexus Green Club


#2026

10/04/2026

Dr. Dinindu Dewapura, Lecturer in Anthropology, Department of Indigenous Social Sciences sharing his insights on "අවුරුදු ජන ක්‍රීඩා".

විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයීය මෙහෙවර සමාජගත කිරීමේ සමාරම්භක පියවර ​ගම්පහ වික්‍රමාරච්චි දේශීය වෛද්‍ය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලයීය මාධ....

06/04/2026

We are proud to share that Ms. Chinthani Senavirathna, Head of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences, Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies was selected to represent our faculty and the country as a Guest Speaker at the Global Education Conclave 2026, hosted by CGC University, Mohali, Punjab, India, from 27th–29th March 2026.

She contributed as a panelist in an insightful discussion on:
“Leadership in the EduVerse: Reimagining the Role of Academic Visionaries”

This prestigious international forum brought together distinguished scholars and experts from around the world to explore the future of higher education under the theme:
“EduVerse 2050: Rethinking Global Academia for a New Human Epoch”

Her participation alongside globally renowned academics from all over the world is a testament to the growing international recognition of our faculty’s academic leadership and contributions. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Ms. Senavirathna who represented our university and Sri Lanka on this global stage.

30/03/2026

An awareness programme and water filter donation initiative under Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) was successfully conducted on March 23, 2026, at the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences & Management Studies, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

This project consisted of two main components: a water filter donation programme held at the faculty premises and an online awareness session conducted in the evening. The initiative aimed to promote awareness on the importance of clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and sustainable water management practices while also providing practical support to improve access to safe water within the faculty community.

The event was graced by Dr. Kamalika Jayathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies (FISSMS), and Ms. Chinthani Senevirathna, Head of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences, along with academic and non-academic staff members and students from all batches, fostering a collaborative and socially responsible academic environment.

The awareness session was conducted by Mr. Pasindu Jayathilake, Lecturer at the Department of Geography, University of Kelaniya, who delivered an insightful and informative session on clean water, sanitation, and sustainable practices. The session enhanced participants’ understanding of the importance of safe water usage and encouraged responsible behavior toward water conservation.

Overall, the project successfully combined awareness and practical action, contributing meaningfully to promoting health, hygiene, and sustainability within the university community, while supporting the broader goals of SDG 6.

23/03/2026

A documentary screening session on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) was successfully conducted as part of the continuous assessment for the course unit Intangible Cultural Heritage (BSSI 12022) on March 13, 2026, at the Main Hall of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences & Management Studies, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

The event was attended by Dr. Kamalika Jayathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies (FISSMS), the Head of the Department Ms. Chinthani Senevirathna of the Department of Indigenous Social Sciences along with all academic staff members and students, fostering a collaborative academic environment.

Panelists Dr. Dinindu Dewapura and Ms. Chathuri Gunathilaka led insightful discussions, emphasising that creating documentaries on ICH demands a respectful, thoughtful approach grounded in a deep understanding of the traditions, practices, and cultural significance being documented. This session not only enriched participants' comprehension of ICH preservation but also enhanced critical engagement with socio-cultural documentation methodologies.

23/03/2026

A successful knowledge-sharing session on the socio-anthropological dimensions of the Vedda community took place on March 13, 2026, at the Main Hall of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences & Management Studies, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine. The session commenced at 9:00 AM with a warm welcome extended by Dr. Kamalika Jayathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies.

Senior Professor (Chair) Premakumara de Silva from the Department of Sociology, University of Colombo, delivered this insightful lecture, exploring the rich cultural heritage, social structures, and anthropological significance of the Vedda community in Sri Lanka. The session was organized under two undergraduate course units; Intangible Cultural Heritage (BSSI 12022) and Culture, Society and Healing (BSSI 32023) and was coordinated by Ms. Chathuri Gunathilaka, the Lecturer-in-Charge of both courses.

Organized by the Faculty, the event engaged faculty members, students, and researchers in vibrant discussions on indigenous knowledge preservation and socio-cultural dynamics, fostering deeper appreciation for Vedda traditions amid contemporary challenges. Attendees praised Prof. de Silva's expertise and the session's relevance to ongoing studies in sociology and anthropology.

22/03/2026

💧✨ Drop by Drop, Strong Future
G17 University Ambassadors Consortium – GWUIM is organizing a Water Filter Donation and Awareness Program to promote SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation and highlight the importance of safe drinking water for a sustainable future. 🌍💧

The water filter donation will be conducted physically at the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies.

📅 23rd of March
⏰ 12.00 p.m.
📍 Faculty Premises, FISSMS, Indigolla

💻 Awareness Session: Online

📅 23rd of March
⏰ 07.00 p.m. onwards
📍 Online

Join Zoom Meeting

https://learn.zoom.us/j/93803588731?pwd=Z2js4nafWJaycaostWjudPbYL7nLgM.1

Meeting ID: 938 0358 8731
Passcode: b8t*zT%%

Let’s work together to protect every drop for a stronger future! 💧

22/03/2026

World Water Day, observed every year on 22 March, aims to raise global awareness about the importance of freshwater and the need to address water and sanitation challenges.

The 2026 theme, “Water and Gender,” focuses on safe drinking water and sanitation as fundamental human rights and essential for achieving gender equality. It highlights how women and girls are disproportionately affected by water scarcity and poor sanitation, often carrying the main responsibility for water collection while having limited representation in decision-making.

This year’s campaign calls for empowering women and girls by ensuring their voices, leadership, and participation in water-related solutions.

By promoting equal access and inclusive decision-making, water can become a powerful force for healthier communities, sustainable development, and a more gender-equal future for all.

22/03/2026

Knowledge Sharing Session: Social Structure and Tamil & Muslim Cultures

21/03/2026

Under the same moon, we celebrate love, faith, and new beginnings 🌙✨

May this Eid bring serenity to your soul, warmth to your home, and endless blessings to your life. Let the beauty of this day remind us of all that truly matters: faith, family, and kindness.

Eid Mubarak!

19/03/2026

The Iftar Gathering 2026 was organized by the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies on 10th March 2026, bringing together students, academic staff, and distinguished guests in a spirit of unity, gratitude, and cultural harmony. The gathering was held in observance of the sacred month of Ramadan and provided an opportunity for the faculty community to come together and share the traditional breaking of the fast.

The event was graced by several esteemed guests, including Mr. C. G. Kothalawala, Bursar of the University, Mr. B. A. N. Krishantha, Registrar, and Dr. Jithya Wijesinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences and Technology (FIHST). Dr. Shermila Botheju, Director of the University Social Reconciliation Centre, also participated in the gathering. The event was further honoured by the presence of our Assistant Registrar, Dean of the Faculty, Head of the Department, lecturers, and students, whose participation added warmth and significance to this occasion.

The gathering beautifully reflected the spirit of Ramadan, emphasizing values such as compassion, reflection, generosity, and community bonding. Students and staff members shared the Iftar meal together in a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, strengthening the sense of unity and mutual respect within the faculty.

The event concluded with heartfelt conversations and a sense of togetherness, leaving lasting memories for everyone who attended and making the Iftar Gathering 2026 a meaningful and memorable occasion for the entire faculty community. 🌙✨

13/03/2026

Photo Album - 02

A National programme to commemorate the World Wetlands Day 2026 was held on 24th February at the Mini Auditorium, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, with the theme “Wetlands & Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”. The objective was to highlight the link between wetlands and traditional knowledge and to highlight local knowledge as a key foundation for environmental conservation.

The programme was aimed at increasing awareness of the ecological and cultural importance of wetland ecosystems and to promote the use of local knowledge for modern wetland restoration.

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Ajith Gunawardena, Director of the Environmental Education and Awareness Unit of the Central Environmental Authority. The panel discussion that followed consisted of the participation of ecologists, researchers, and experts in the field. An e-magazine on wetlands was also launched.

This programme was organised by the EcoNexus Green Club of the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, with the collaboration of the Central Environmental Authority and the National Environmental Pioneers Forum. The participation of the university's staff, students, and guests helped make the programme successful.

This national programme emphasized that wetland protection is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a cultural heritage preservation. The aim was to build broader social awareness for the protection of wetland ecosystems by connecting local knowledge and new scientific methods.