“Explore the depths of thought and let wisdom guide your journey through life and learning.”
The University of Kelaniya is now inviting applications for,
Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy – One-year program
Master of Social Science (MSS) in Philosophy (with Research) – Two-year program – 2025 (26th batch)
Application details: Available at https://fgs.kln.ac.lk
Closing date for applications: 31st January 2026
Department of Philosophy
University of Kelaniya.
චින්තනයේ ගැඹුරුතල පරීක්ෂා කර ජීවිතයෙ හා අධ්යනයේ ගමන් මඟ බුද්ධියෙන් පාලනය කර ගන්න
කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්යාලය මගින් ඉදිරිපත් කෙරෙන ,
දර්ශනය පිළිබඳ ශාස්ත්රපති (MA) - එක් අවුරුදු පාඨමාලාව
දර්ශනය පිළිබඳ සමාජීය විද්යාපති (MSSC) (පර්යේෂණ සමඟ) - දෑ අවුරුදු පාඨමාලාවන් - 2025 (26 වන කණ්ඩායම) සඳහා අයදුම්පත් කැඳවීම ආරම්භකර ඇත.
අයදුම් කරන ආකාරය පිළිබඳ විස්තර : https://fgs.kln.ac.lk හරහා ලබා ගතහැකිය.
අයදුම්පත් භාරගන්නා අවසන් දිනය: 2026 ජනවාරි 31
දර්ශනය අධ්යයන අංශය
කැලණිය විශ්වවිද්යාලය.
WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Kelaniya is one of its pioneering and oldest departments. It traces its roots back to the founding of Vidyalankara University in 1959, and the first Head of the Department was Ven. Prof. Moratuwe Sasanaratana Thero, a renowned Buddhist and scholar of Eastern philosophy. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Philosophy, Psychology, and Peace and Conflict Resolution.
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is praised as ‘the science of all sciences’ considering its antiquity in the history of systematic studies. Philosophy is a conceptual study that examines abstract concepts related to various other subject areas, such as Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Law, and Political Philosophy. At the same time, Philosophy studies certain areas, such as logic, metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, that are unique to the subject itself. Recently, philosophy has extended its boundaries to new territories such as environment (Environmental Philosophy), psychology (Philosophical Psychology) and Peace Studies (Philosophy of Human Rights).
PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology, as a study of human behaviour, examines various dimensions of behaviour, including the general nature of behaviour (General Psychology), abnormal behaviours (Abnormal Psychology), Learning behaviours (Educational Psychology), work behaviours (Psychology of Organisational Behaviour), and social behaviours (Social Psychology). Meanwhile, Child Psychology and Developmental Psychology studies the developmental aspects of human behaviour: physical development, cognitive development, socio-emotional development, and moral development. As psychology studies the mind and behaviours of the individual person, it has become one of the most interesting subjects in the modern world.
PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Peace studies have become a highly demanded discipline in modern society, where wars and conflicts are a common event. The Department introduced the B.A. degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution for the first time in South Asia. This Degree studies various dimensions of peace and conflict Resolution, styles and history of wars and conflicts, Philosophy and Psychology of peace and conflicts, Conflict management techniques and skills. As a newly introduced subject area to the academic world, “Peace and Conflict Resolution” plays a significant role in the university landscape in Sri Lanka. In a social context where conflicts are common, the study of issues related to peace and conflict is crucial.
Those who were affected by the disaster last week, please be informed that the University of Kelaniya has planned a new welfare facility to support you.
Kindly follow the instructions and fill in this form. https://welfare.kln.ac.lk/#h.jcpma0fj5uo3
Due to the impact of the recent cyclone, some students and their families may be facing difficultie such as flooding, property damage, communication issues, or inability to reach the university.
If you or your family has been affected and you need any form of support, please inform your Assistant Student Counselor (ASC) or fill the google form shared by them.
Your safety and wellbeing are our priority.
Please reach out we are here to support you.
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Kelaniya actively supports academic scholarship and knowledge dissemination through its online E- Journal. This peer-reviewed digital publication features research articles, reviews, and critical essays in the fields of Philosophy, Psychology, and Peace and Conflict Resolution. The E-Journal provides a platform for both faculty members and students to share original research, engage in scholarly dialogue, and contribute to contemporary debates in these disciplines. By embracing open access and digital formats, the journal aims to reach a wider audience locally and internationally, fostering academic collaboration and enhancing the department’s research profile.
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Kelaniya publishes an E- Magazine specifically for undergraduate students, providing a vibrant platform to showcase their creative and academic work. This digital magazine features articles, essays, poetry, artwork, and reflections related to philosophy, psychology, peace studies, and student life. It encourages undergraduates to express their ideas, engage with contemporary issues, and develop their writing and critical thinking skills. The E-Magazine also fosters a sense of community within the department by highlighting student achievements and facilitating dialogue among peers and faculty.
The Philosophy Students’ Association
The Philosophy Students’ Association at the University of Kelaniya is an active student-led organization that aims to promote intellectual growth, social engagement, and community among philosophy students. The association organizes seminars, workshops, debates, cultural events, and study groups to encourage critical thinking and dialogue on philosophical issues. It also serves as a platform for students to develop leadership skills, collaborate on academic projects, and connect with faculty members and alumni. By fostering a vibrant campus community, the association enhances the overall learning experience and supports students in their academic and personal development.
ALUMNI Association
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Kelaniya takes pride in its diverse and accomplished alumni network, which includes scholars, educators, counsellors, peacebuilders, researchers, and professionals across various fields. Graduates of the department have made significant contributions nationally and internationally in academia, public service, social work, psychology, conflict resolution, and community development. The department maintains connections with its alumni through events, workshops, and collaborative projects, fostering ongoing engagement and support. This vibrant alumni community serves as an inspiration to current students and plays a vital role in enhancing the department’s reputation and outreach.
Department Alumni Coordinator
Se. Lec. Oshadhi Vindya Herath
President
Dr. Keerthi Prabash
Secretary
Ms. Anoma Gamage
Congratulations
P.G.D. Keshani Maduwanthi!
Huge congratulations to P.G.D. Keshani Madhuwanthi from Taekwondo team for winning the Gold medal in team Poomsae at the Sri Lanka University Games 2025!
Your hard work, determination, and teamwork have truly paid off . We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing what amazing things you’ll accomplish next. Keep shining and reaching for the stars.Congratulations! to your outstanding victory
Congratulations
W.M.M. Chamudi Wijethunga!
Wishing the best of luck to the taekwondo silver medal in the women's below 57kg- 62kg weight category at the Sri Lanka University Games 2025!
Your hard work,determination, and teamwork have truly paid off. We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing what amazing things you’ll accomplish next. Keep shining and reaching for the stars.Congratulations! on your well- deserved success. Warmest greetings from Head of the Department, All the Lectures, Non - Academic Staff & Philosophy Association.
Its main academic areas include Philosophy, which explores logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and contemporary philosophical issues; Psychology, which focuses on human behaviour, cognitive processes, personality, and mental well-being; and Peace and Conflict Resolution, which examines the philosophical and psychological foundations of peace, conflict dynamics, and methods of conflict management. In addition, the department provides specialized training in Counselling through professional diploma programme. Together, these disciplines create a multidisciplinary learning environment that prepares students for academic, professional, and community-oriented pathways.
Undergraduate Degrees
B.A. in Philosophy
B.A. (Honours) in Philosophy
B.A. in Psychology
B.A. (Honours) in Psychology
B.A. (Honours) in Peace and Conflict Resolution
Postgraduate Degrees
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy
Master of Social Science (MSSc) in Philosophy
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy
MPhil in Psychology
Other Programme
Diploma in Counselling
Students specializing in Philosophy can pursue careers in teaching, research, public service, writing, policy analysis, and human resource development, where critical thinking and ethical reasoning are essential. Those with training in Psychology are well-prepared to work in counselling, mental health services, social work, corporate psychology, research institutions, NGOs, hospitals, and community development projects. Graduates in Peace and Conflict Resolution are equipped for roles in diplomatic services, peacebuilding organizations, government agencies, NGOs, humanitarian missions, and conflict mediation. Additionally, the department’s Counselling programmes open pathways in school counselling, community counselling, youth guidance, rehabilitation center, and private practice. Overall, the multidisciplinary training offered by the department prepares students for meaningful careers that contribute positively to society.
Philosophy Student’s Association
Psychology Student’s Association
ALUMNI Association
Tel: +94 (0) 11 2 908 778 ( Monday to Friday from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m)
Email: hodphil@kln.ac.lk