19/02/2026
The 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium -2025, organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, was successfully held on 27 January 2026 under the theme: “Advancing Knowledge: Empowering Undergraduates to Overcome Future Challenges.”
This year’s symposium marked a significant departure from previous undergraduate research symposia in several important aspects. The primary objective was to provide a dedicated academic platform for final-year undergraduates to present research findings based on their BA (Hons) dissertations and BA research projects. Participation in the symposium was compulsory for BA (Hons) students and optional for BA students, ensuring strong engagement from graduating cohorts.
The symposium was exclusively limited to final-year undergraduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and was not open to external participants. In keeping with academic integrity and student ownership of research, the corresponding author of each abstract was the student researcher, while the second author was the academic supervisor.
All subject disciplines within the faculty were represented under seven thematic tracks:
• Archaeology and Heritage Management
• Economics, Management and Statistics
• Environmental Management and Water Resource Management
• History and Education
• Mass Communication
• Sinhala and Languages
• Sociology and Tourism
To enhance interdisciplinary engagement and provide constructive academic feedback, panel chairs were appointed from other departments and faculties, in addition to the academic staff of each respective department.
A total of 207 abstracts were accepted for oral presentations following a rigorous peer-review process and approval by the Editorial Board of the Symposium. All presentations were conducted in physical mode, contributing to a vibrant academic atmosphere and scholarly exchange.
The symposium was organized under the direction and guidance of Professor E.M.S. Ekanayake, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Professor Mohamed Mahees, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, served as the Keynote Speaker, sharing valuable insights with emerging undergraduate researchers.
The Inauguration Ceremony was graced by Dr.P.H.G. Janaka Pushpakumara, Acting Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest. The event was further honored by the presence of all Deans of other faculties, the Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian of the university. Heads of departments, academic and non-academic staff, and students of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities joined the ceremony, with over 350 participants in attendance.
The successful ex*****on of the symposium was the result of the collective efforts of academic and non-academic staff, who contributed in various capacities. The main organizing team comprised:
• Dr. L.M.A.P. Gunawardhana - Chair, 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium
• Mr. D.M.T.U.K. Dissanayaka -Symposium Co-Secretary
• Mr. D.P.A.B.N. Vishwanath -Symposium Co-Secretary
• Mr. H.A.B.W. Hettiarachchi -Conference Treasurer
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities extends its appreciation to all contributors and participants for making the 5th Undergraduate Research Symposium -2025 a meaningful and successful academic event that strengthened undergraduate research culture within the university.
