A thought-provoking lecture titled “When Ceylon Found Its Voice” was delivered by Avishka Mario Senewiratne, Editor of The Ceylon Journal, at the University of Jaffna. The event was organized by the Department of Linguistics and English and drew a keen audience of students and academics.

Senewiratne explored the development of 19th-century English newspapers and journals in Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on the vibrant but understudied periodical culture of Jaffna. He highlighted how these publications contributed to shaping intellectual discourse and public opinion during a formative period in the island’s history.

The lecture was followed by an engaging discussion, during which several important questions and perspectives were raised. Participants from the North offered valuable insights, making the session a meaningful cultural and intellectual exchange.

Senewiratne noted that the Jaffna peninsula remains a largely untapped field for historical research and encouraged interested scholars and students to contribute their findings to The Ceylon Journal, fostering further collaboration and discovery.

The 35th Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya-Colombo Chapter will be held on Sunday March 29 from 09.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Main Auditorium (Sanhinda), Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), 28/10, Malalasekara Mawatha, Colombo 07, the organizers said.

For details, please visit the web site www.aaupcc.org or contact AAUPCC General Secretary Chandika Indikadahena (cindikadahena@gmail.com or 0715656384).

The Sri Lanka Federation of University Women celebrated International Women’s Day in its auditorium at Kitulwatte on March 7, 2026, at an event attended by academics, professionals, and other members of high achievement, including four past Presidents of the SLFUW, an SLFUW news release said.

Proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, the singing of the National Anthem, and a minute’s silence in memory of departed members followed by a welcome dance. Thereafter, SLFUW President, Engineer Lakmini Nonis made her address extending a warm welcome to the three guest speakers and the assembled gathering.

This year’s UN theme ‘Give to Gain’, has been the Federation’s mission in practice over the years, she said extolling the services rendered by the SLFUW during its 85-year history to help not only graduate women, but also the poor, the disadvantaged and physically impaired women and children of Sri Lanka.

However, much more remains to be done for their uplifting towards which university women must play an important role in advocating, promoting and ensuring the rights of women in our country are maintained, she said.

The distinguished chief guest on this occasion was Professor Chandrika Wijeyaratne, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, and a towering figure in Sri Lankan higher education, who currently serves as Vice Chancellor of the SLTC Research University.

In her speech, Professor Wijeyaratne drew from her experiences with the ‘girl-child’ and women in Sri Lanka, and the pathetic, helpless and horrific situations some of them are exposed to. Being vulnerable, they need protection, justice, and empowerment which is a continuous process, she said.

Dr. Lilangani de Silva, Consultant Radiologist, gave a power point presentation of the history of the IWD movement, and spoke on the topic ‘Do you regret being born a woman?’ Apparently not!

Dr. Krishanthi Anandawansa, Senior Lecturer in English at the Kotalawala Defence

University, provided an insightful perspective on the evolving role of women in specialized sectors, and the intersection of education, discipline, and career longevity.

In accord with the ‘Give to Gain’ policy, three scholarships were awarded to undergraduates who were severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Mrs. Anjali Gamage, Head, Academic Affairs and Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, Colombo, compered the proceedings, while Mrs. Rukmani Samaranayake, delivered the vote of thanks noting that the American-born educationist, Mrs. Clara Motwani and a group of

selfless, educated ladies set up the SLFUW in 1941 to further the welfare of women in Sri Lanka.