News

Indian Food Corner- 2026

The second-year undergraduate students pursuing the BA Honors in Hindi Degree programme, in collaboration with the Department of Hindi Studies, organized an Indian Food Corner on 29th January 2026 at the Polwatta Ground, University of Kelaniya. The objectives of this event were to enhance students' cultural awareness, connectivity, teamwork, and event management skills, and to celebrate the Republic Day of India and the North Indian culture. Food items and beverages included Poori, Pani Poori, Gulab Jamun, Onion Pakoda, and Masala Chai (Tea). Chair Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, participated as the Chief Guest. Dr Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, along with the Deans of several other faculties, including Senior Prof. Priyani Paranagama, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Chair Senior Prof. Ruwan Wijesundera, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science; Prof. W. M. C. B. Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies; Prof. K. G. H. D. Weerasinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; and Prof. M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, were also among the guests. Moreover, Mr K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University, also joined the inauguration.

Skills Development Workshop on Communication and Mediation

Department of Hindi Studies at the University of Kelaniya organized a workshop to develop the communication and mediation skills of undergraduate students. It was held on January 22, 2026, at the K14 Auditorium of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. The workshop was titled 'Communication and Mediation (Essential Skills for Today’s Workplace)', and focused on effective communication, public speaking, compering, general mediation skills, and the role of language in mediation. This workshop was the first in a series planned to develop the soft skills of undergraduate students learning Hindi. Dr Saranee Gunathilaka, Co-Founder / CEO of UDecide Mediation, joined the workshop as the resource person. She is a Legal Practitioner, International Mediator, Dispute Resolution and Human Rights Specialist, and a former TV Host.

Recognition at the Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2025

The Department of Hindi Studies received a Commendation Award under the Best Department Website category at the Vice-Chancellor's Awards held on 01.01.2026. This category honored outstanding contributions to the university's digital presence. Senior Lecturer Hasara Hirimuthugoda, Webmaster of the Department, received the award at the event. Moreover, Cadre Chair Senior Professor Upul Ranjith Hewawitanagamage received a silver-plated medal and a certificate for 30 Years of Continuous and Meritorious Service under the Long Service Awards category.

International Hindi Conference + Launch of Prof. Lakshman Senevirathne Felicitation Volume and ‘Kelaniya’ Sinhala-Hindi Dictionary'

An international conference on 'The advancing steps of Hindi in various contexts,' jointly organized by the Department of Hindi Studies, University of Kelaniya, and 'Utpal' Journal, Jaipur, India, was successfully held on 12th September 2025 at the K14 Board Room of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. The event was organized to celebrate India's National Hindi Day which falls on the 14th of September, to share new knowledge, and to appreciate the contribution of Senior Professor Lakshman Senevirathne to Hindi in Sri Lanka. Prof. Ankuran Dutta, Director of the Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre, Colombo, and Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, participated as Chief Guests. A key highlight of the event was the launch of the felicitation volume on Senior Professor Lakshman Senevirathne, appreciating his contribution to Hindi in Sri Lanka. Next, the event featured the launch of ‘Kelaniya’ Sinhala-Hindi Dictionary' compiled by Senior Professor Lakshman Senevirathne. Furthermore, some other Hindi books written/edited by Indian scholars were launched during the occasion. Later, several Indian and Sri Lankan scholars and researchers presented their research papers and reviews on several sub-tracks related to the development of the Hindi language and culture globally.

International Seminar on 'A Cultural Overview of Sinhala and Hindi' - 2025

The International Seminar on “A Cultural Overview of Sinhala and Hindi,” co-organized by the Department of Hindi Studies, University of Kelaniya, and Sahityik Sanskritik Shodh Sanstha, Mumbai, was held on 27th August 2025 at the K2 Board Room of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. The objectives of this event were to review literary and cultural intersections of Sinhala and Hindi and to promote cross-cultural understanding. Prof. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Sahityik Sanskritik Shodh Sanstha, Mumbai added insights to the seminar as the keynote speaker. In addition, some scholars and writers from India and Mauritius, including Dr. Shirin Qureshi, Dr. Satish Kanojiya, Dr. Gian Dhunnookchand, Dr. S. Mila Dhunnookchand, Dr. Sanjeev Verma Salil, Mr. K. P. Semwal, and Mr. Anand Prakash Srivastava, shared their thoughts on historical, linguistic, and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka. At the end of the seminar, the Department's academics were awarded tokens of appreciation. Undergraduates and other participants received certificates for their participation.

World Hindi Day Golden Jubilee Celebrations- 2025

A program, organized by the Department of Hindi Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, was held on the 9th of January 2025 at the Board Meeting Room, Faculty of Humanities (K14 101), to commemorate the golden jubilee of World Hindi Day under the theme 'Hindi in the Global Scenario'.Distinguished scholars, including Prof. Mukesh Kumar Mishra, the principal of the K. S. M. P. G. College, Uttar Pradesh, India; Prof. Jayanth Kar Sharma, Former Head of the Department of Hindi, Orissa Open University, Sambhalpur, India; and Prof. Balram Gupt, Head of the Department of Hindi, Shivharsh Kisan Postgraduate College, Uttar Pradesh presented their insights on the theme. The program also included a recital of traditional Indian folk poetry by Dr. Sonam Seth, Principal of the Rewathi Girls College, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the event featured the launch of the Hindi poetry collection Man Ki Anubhooti, edited by Prof. Mukesh Kumar Mishra. It can be considered the first collection of Hindi poems authored by Sri Lankan academics to be published in India.

Dean's List Commendations- 2025

Five undergraduates of the BAHons (Hindi) Degree program received Dean's list awards at the inaugural Dean's List Awarding Ceremony held on 25th July 2025, celebrating their academic excellence and outstanding performance during the academic years 2020/20221 and 2021/2022. The awardees were I.S. Ekanayaka, T.N. Sisara, I.R.S. Dewmini, R.D.S.N. Sandeepani and S.M.U.M. Bandara.

Indian Food Corner- 2025

Level II undergraduates following the BA Honors in Hindi Degree in collaboration with the Department of Hindi Studies, organized an Indian Food Corner, to celebrate Holi, the Spring Festival. The event was held on 19th March 2025 at Polwaththa Ground, University of Kelaniya. The objectives of this event were to enhance undergraduates' cultural awareness, connectivity, teamwork, and event management skills. Food items like Pani Poori, Laddu, Onion Pakoda, Bread Pakoda, Popcorn, and beverages like Masala Chai (Tea) were available at the Food Corner.

Indian Food Festival- 2023

An Indian Food Festival was organized by the Hindi Parishad and the Department of Hindi Studies on 13th September 2023 at Polwaththa Ground, University of Kelaniya. Food items like Poori, Indian Roti, Aloo Paratha, Poha, Laddu, Onion Pakoda, Bread Pakoda, and beverages like Masala Chai (Tea) were available at the festival. Participants had the opportunity to have Mehendi art also.Dr. Ankuran Dutta, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center participated as the Chief Guest of the event.Senior Prof. S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Mukesh Mishra, Siddharth University, Gorakhpur, Prof. Nilanthi Rajapakshe, Head of the Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts, University of Sri Jayewardenepura were among the other honorable guests. Staff of the Department of Hindi Studies, members of the academic and non-academic staff of the university, students, and the public were present at the event.

Recognition at Excellence in Humanities Awards- 2024

Senior Lecturer Udeshika Perera was awarded a Contribution Excellence in Humanities award at the Excellence in Humanities Awards- 2024, organized by the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, in appreciation of the immense contribution made to the Department of Hindi Studies. Senior Lecturer Hasara Hirimuthugoda was awarded a Coordination Excellence in Humanities award at the ceremony, in recognition of her contribution to enrich the collaborative spirit within the institution, as the Director of the Inclusivity Centre, Faculty of Humanities.

Recognition at Excellence in Humanities Awards- 2023

Late Professor Indra Dassanayake was awarded an Honorary Service award at the Excellence in Humanities Awards- 2023, organized by the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, for her service to improve Hindi Studies and the field of Humanities. Acting Head of the Department of Hindi Studies, Dr. Anusha Salwathura, received the award on behalf of her family. Senior Professor Lakshman Senevirathne was awarded a Service Acknowledgement award at the Excellence in Humanities Awards- 2023, organized by the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, recognizing his service to the University through academic and administrative positions.

Indian Food Festival- 2023

Late Prof. Indra Dassanayake received a Padma Shri Award (posthumously in 2020)

Former Head of the Department of Hindi Studies, Doctor of Literature, Professor Indra Dassanayake, posthumously received the Padma Shri Award in 2020 in appreciation of her contribution to literature and education. Padma Shri Award is one of the highest civilian awards of India, which is conferred to distinguished individuals who have contributed to India in any field.
The late Prof. Dassanayake was the pioneer in establishing the Department of Hindi Studies in 1995. Moreover, she was the leading scholar to initiate and promote formal Hindi education in Sri Lanka. She was previously awarded the prestigious Dr. George Grierson Award in 2007.
Her daughter received the award in 2021 from the President of India on her behalf.

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