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Certificate Awarding Ceremony – Diploma in Counselling
The Diploma in Counselling programme conducted by the Unit of Psychology, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, held its 7th Batch Certificate Awarding Ceremony on 16 November 2025 at the Sri Dharmaloka Hall, University of Kelaniya.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the programme, celebrating its continued contribution to professional counselling education in Sri Lanka. Nearly 530 students successfully completed the diploma this year, reflecting the growing demand for trained counsellors and the programme’s strong reputation within the field.
The event was graced by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Head of the Department of Philosophy, and several academic staff members who contributed to the teaching and coordination of the diploma. Their presence emphasized the faculty’s commitment to strengthening mental health education and providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals and communities.
The Certificate Awarding Ceremony concluded with appreciation extended to the academic staff, administrative team, and students who contributed to the success of the 7th batch. The event symbolized not only academic achievement but also the empowerment of a new cohort ready to serve in diverse counselling settings across the country.
“Premaya Nam” Film Review
The film Premaya Nam was screened on 22 August 2025 as part of a special psychological review session organized by the Unit of Psychology. Following the screening, an insightful discussion was held with a panel consisting of psychologists, the film editor, and one of the lead actors. The review focused on the film’s nuanced portrayal of mental health struggles, examining its accuracy, therapeutic value, and the social messages it communicates about psychological well-being. The experts highlighted how the narrative realistically captures the internal conflicts, emotional distress, and interpersonal challenges faced by individuals experiencing psychological disorders. The session provided a meaningful platform for students and participants to deepen their understanding of mental health through cinema, bridging academic knowledge with creative expression.
Field Visit – Students of Psychology Unit
The field visit for the course Abnormal Psychology II (PSYC 41414) was conducted on 11th and 12th November 2025 with the participation of nearly 55 final year Psychology undergraduates from the Unit of Psychology. The visit focused on exploring The Influence of Natural and Spiritual Environments on Psychological Well-being through observations carried out at two key locations in Nuwara Eliya: Sita Amman Kovil and Victoria Park. Sita Amman Kovil, a sacred Hindu site linked to the Ramayana, provided a spiritually enriched atmosphere where students observed how faith, ritual practice, and devotional engagement contribute to emotional comfort, inner peace, and feelings of hope among visitors. Victoria Park, in contrast, offered a calm natural environment characterized by greenery, fresh air, and open spaces elements known to reduce stress and enhance mood. By experiencing both settings, students were able to understand how spiritual environments and natural landscapes differently and complementarily influence psychological well-being, offering valuable insights into environment-based emotional regulation and culturally grounded healing experiences.
World Mental Health Day – 2025
World Mental Health Day is an international day of global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy observed annually on October 10 th . It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Heakth (WFMH) a global organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.
Every year it celebrates with various themes and this year’s theme is "Mental health in humanitarian emergencies." Accordingly, the Senior Lecturer Mr. Gayan Karunarathne from the Unit of Psychology, University of Kelaniya, shares insights on the urgent need to prioritize mental health support during crises and disasters.
Suicide Prevention Day – 2025, Poetry Competition
The Psychology Unit of the University of Kelaniya was launched a Poetry Collection on behalf of the World Suicide Prevention Day. It is to raise some awareness about preventing suicidal thoughts and to create a strong mentality.
You can enjoy the Poetry Collection, which includes the selected creations submitted for the competition, through the following link:
World Philosophy Day
World Philosophy Day at the University of Kelaniya is celebrated annually as part of a global initiative promoted by UNESCO, typically held on the third Thursday of November. The department of Philosophy, University of Kelnaiya host various events in every year to celebrate this significant day and this year it has been organized a guest lecture on “Semantic Philosophy on a Multi-centered world” delivered by Professor Gamini Hapuararchchi.
“Presksha” Online Meditation Session
On 4th August 2025, Preksha International conducted a two-hour online meditation session for undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya, specializing in Peace and Conflict Resolution and Philosophy. This interactive session marked the launch of the 10-Day Meditation Program in Sri Lanka, aiming to enhance mindfulness, inner peace, and conflict resolution skills among students.
Screening and Discussion of CPBR Documentaries Held at University of Kelaniya- IRIS SISTERS
The screening and discussion of four powerful documentaries: Aatta Kaari, Big Sisters, Khalli Walli, and Mannar, produced by the Centre for Peace Building and Reconciliation (CPBR) under the “IRIS SISTERS” project, was successfully held on June 26, 2025, at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The event was organized under the theme “Film Screening for Dialogue, Dialogue for Action, Action for Change.
” The documentary Aatta Kaari was directed by Mafahira Mansoor, Nadah Razeli, and Showthamini Shanthakumar, while Big Sisters was directed by Janani Karunarathna, Oneli Wanix, Sahasra Shehani, Saumi Sandupama, and Tharushi Maheshika. Anjalee Thilakarathna, Chanu Peiris, Prabhasha Charithangi, Oshadi Thilakarathna, and Sakunthala Dewabhashi directed Khalli Walli, while Rasathurai Thivya, Ishaq Fareena, Fathima Hasmiya, Nagomi Dias, Archana Figurado were the directors of Mannar.
The event was organized by the Department of Philosophy of the University of Kelaniya and was graced by the presence of Retired Professor Jayantha Seneviratne, former academic in the Department of Philosophy, and Founder and current President of the CPBR.
Also in attendance were Professor Semasinghe Wanninayake, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Dr. Manoji Harischandra, Head of the Department of Philosophy; Professor Gamini Hapuarachchi, Professor of the Department of Philosophy; as well as the heads of departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The academic staff members of the Department of Philosophy and a large number of students also participated, contributing to an engaging and thoughtful discussion following the screenings.
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