News

OUSL complets annual research sessions online

Published

5 years ago

2020/11/16

The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) successfully completed its Annual Research Sessions (OURS 2020) on 12th and 13th November as a fully online event.

The OUSL said in a media statement:

“OURS 2020 was initially planned as an ‘in-person’ event. However, when the public health situation in the country again became critical in October, the organizing committee of OURS 2020, deftly transferred the entire event online – in a short span of time – underscoring the university’s unique ability to deliver academic programs remotely. In addition to being the only university in Sri Lanka with a dedicated Centre for Education Technology and Media, the university’s academic and support staff are specifically trained in remote delivery of academic programs using a range of methods – online, television, radio and print. This combination of technical infrastructure and skilled human resources allows the institution to adapt to challenging circumstances like the current one posed by the Corona Virus pandemic.

“This year’s research sessions were conducted under the themes of: Open and Distance Learning, Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Education, Law, Management, Biological Sciences, Agriculture and English Language Teaching. A total of 165 submissions were received and 114 papers were selected for presentation following a process of rigorous peer review. The different thematic strands were conducted as parallel online sessions using Zoom technology which led to vibrant scholarly discussions on a range of topics. A special feature of this year’s research was the significant focus of how the pandemic has impacted education. Such research ranged from critical discussions on online and remote education to the significant inequities in education access and delivery caused by the pandemic. This emphasis on the pandemic demonstrated the commitment of academics in the Sri Lankan higher education system to address contextually significant social issues and deploy research to understand and resolve such issues. Papers were presented by Open University staff as well as staff from other state and non-state universities and higher education institutions from across the country.

“The research sessions were inaugurated with a welcome address by the Research Director of the University, Prof. Shyama Weerakoon who underscored the importance of fostering a research culture. She also appreciated the university-wide team effort that facilitated the online delivery of the research sessions. Prof. Anbahan Ariyadurai, the Vice Chancellor of the university, addressing the event, emphasized the resilience and adaptability of the institution in this challenging time.

“The Chief Guest of the research sessions was Dr. Priyanie Amarasinghe, Emeritus Scientist at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the keynote speech on the first day was delivered by Dr. Panduka Karunanayake of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. The day-two keynote was delivered by Dr. Prathapasinghe Dharmawansa of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The event was live cast for the students of the university and the general public through the Open University’s YouTube channel and an electronic version of the proceedings of the research sessions will be soon available for free download from the university website.”

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)