International Women’s Day Celebration 2025 – "Purple Love"

The Centre for Gender Studies, in collaboration with the Gender Equity and Equality Club of the University of Kelaniya, organised the International Women’s Day Celebration 2025 under the theme "Purple Love" to raise awareness on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The event took place on the 7th of March 2025 at the K14 Humanities Auditorium.

This year’s celebration aligned with the global International Women’s Day theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, emphasising the importance of addressing IPV and its impact on individuals and communities. The programme aimed to foster dialogue among students, empowering them with knowledge and strategies to combat gender-based violence.

Dr. Kaushalya Hewawasam from the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Ms. Sarasi Godamune, Physical Instructor at the Department of Sport Science and Physical Education of the University of Kelaniya, participated as the resource persons.

The event was chaired by Senior Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Chair, Advisory Board of the Centre for Gender Studies; Dr. Sulochani Ramanayake, Deputy Director of the Centre for Gender Studies; Dr. Damayanthi Edirisinghe, Faculty Representative (Faculty of Commerce and Management) of the Centre for Gender Studies; Dr. Dinali Wickramarachchi, Faculty Representative (Faculty of Science) of the Centre for Gender Studies; Senior Lecturer Divanka Randunu Podduwage, Faculty Representative (Faculty of Humanities) of the Centre for Gender Studies; Dr. K. N. R. Harshani, Director of the Kalana Mithuru Sewana, Senior Lecturer Dulanga Gunawardhana from the Department of Performing Arts, and Ms. Harshani Karunanayake, Coordinator of the Centre for Gender Studies.

Through expert insights, discussions, and interactive sessions, the programme successfully highlighted the urgency of addressing IPV, encouraged students to take an active role in preventing violence, and promoted a culture of respect, safety, and gender equality.

The event saw the participation of members of the Gender Equity and Equality Club and a large number of undergraduates from the University of Kelaniya, making it a significant platform for awareness, discussion, and advocacy on intimate partner violence.