The Centre for Gender Studies (CGSUK) at the University of Kelaniya successfully concluded a two-day residential training workshop on the 10th and 11th of May 2025, focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms to address harassment and violence within the university environment. Held at Laya Leisure, Kukuleganga, the workshop brought together 35 senior academic staff members nominated from each faculty to serve as Inquiry Officers under the university’s bylaws on harassment and violence redressal.
The workshop named “Implementation of Bylaws for the Inquiry and Redressal of Harassment and Violence in the Working and Learning Environment (Sexual/Gender/General),” was conducted under the guidance of Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and led by Senior Professor Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies. The primary objective was to equip nominated Inquiry Officers with the necessary legal, procedural, and empathetic tools to effectively carry out their responsibilities within the Inquiry Committees.
The first day of the workshop addressed core concepts such as gender, power dynamics, and the nature and impact of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Through interactive sessions, participants examined how institutional roles intersect with gender and explored the psychological and systemic implications of SGBV. Real-life case studies, open discussions, and group activities encouraged critical thinking and collaborative learning.
On the second day, attention shifted to the legal and procedural aspects of inquiry and redressal. Sessions explored national and international legal frameworks, the application of university bylaws, and step-by-step procedures for managing complaintsfrom documentation and interviews to disciplinary actions.
The sessions were led by a distinguished panel of academics and professionals, including Senior Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director, Centre for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya;Prof. Subhangi Herath, Department of Sociology, University of Colombo; Prof. Jeeva Niriella, Department of Public and International Law, University of Colombo; Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Former Director of the Centre for Gender Studies,Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology, University of Kelaniya, and Dean of the Faculty of Criminal Justice, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University; Dr. Shobhavi Randeny, Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, University of Kelaniya; Ms. A. A. Chaminya Adikari, Registrar and Legal Officer, University of Moratuwa; and Ms. Harshani Karunanayake, Coordinator of the Centre for Gender Studies.
Their diverse expertise from gender studies and sociology to law and medicine ensured a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the training.
The workshop employed a participatory, practice-oriented methodology that blended theoretical frameworks with case studies and simulations. This holistic approach allowed participants to develop not only technical knowledge but also the sensitivity and confidence needed to handle complex, often emotionally charged cases with fairness and professionalism.
This training programme reflects the University of Kelaniya’s strong institutional commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring that mechanisms for addressing harassment and violence are implemented effectively and with integrity. Through continued efforts such as this, the university aims to uphold the rights and dignity of all its community members and reinforce its stance on gender equity and justice.
