Centre for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya Marks 15 Years of Advancing Gender Equity and Equality

The Centre for Gender Studies, University of Kelaniya (CGSUK) marked its 15th Anniversary on 14th August 2026 at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo, celebrating fifteen years of contribution to gender equity, equality, research, education, awareness and policy engagement in Sri Lanka.

Established in August 2011 under a University Council memorandum during the tenure of Prof. Sarath Amunugama as Vice-Chancellor, CGSUK became the first Centre for Gender Studies within the Sri Lankan university system.

Over the past fifteen years, the Centre has played an important role in promoting gender equity and equality through research, education and training, expert advice, resource development and public awareness. Its programmes have reached university students, academic and non-academic staff, schools, the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Prison Service, the Tri-Forces and the wider public.

The Centre has also established strong partnerships with national and international organizations. Its work has included collaborations with UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO and UNICEF Sri Lanka, as well as the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka Police, National Child Protection Authority, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, Ministry of Health and other government and non-governmental institutions.

Through these partnerships, CGSUK has contributed to important national research initiatives. These include the Unnatural Female Deaths in Sri Lanka 2013–2021 study conducted with UNFPA, research on Gender Mainstreaming in Teacher Education with UNESCO, and the ongoing national study on Progressions and Patterns of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Sri Lanka, 2013–2023, conducted with UNDP.

The Centre has also contributed to policy and institutional development, including the Gender Policy Framework for Gender Equity and Equality at the University of Kelaniya and the By-laws for the Inquiry and Redressal of Harassment and Violence in the Working and Learning Environment (Sexual and Gender) at the University of Kelaniya No. 02 of 2025.

A significant contribution of the Centre has been its leadership in national consultations on preventing sexual and gender-based violence in universities. The Centre's records note that recommendations from the 2013–2014 consultation process contributed to the establishment of the Gender Equity and Equality Centre at the UGC and gender cells in state universities.

The 15th Anniversary celebration brought together university leaders, former Directors of the Centre, academics, government representatives, development partners and other stakeholders. The event included the screening of the “15 Years of Excellence” video, a felicitation ceremony for former Directors, a special appreciation ceremony for Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, and the presentation of the Centre's Stakeholder Survey Findings.

A key feature of the celebration was the panel discussion titled “Tracing the Past and Shaping the Future of Gender Equity and Equality at the University of Kelaniya Towards the Sustainable Development Goals.” The panel comprised Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor; Senior Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, Founder Director of CGSUK; Prof. Sarath Amunugama, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; and Prof. Sachith Mettananda, Chairperson of the Research Council.

As part of the anniversary activities, the Centre also conducted a Short Video Competition on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Awareness, encouraging young people to use social media as a platform for promoting awareness and challenging gender-based violence. The recognized participants were Seniru Minthaka, Divyani Perera, Abhishek Ruhunage, Sahan Nadeera, Tharusha Gimhana, W. M. G. K. Weerasinghe, W. D. G. Ravishka Subharshani and P. P. G. Bhagya Sakuni. The award ceremony was held during the anniversary programme.

The Centre's fifteen-year journey has been shaped by the leadership of successive Directors, beginning with Senior Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, Founder Director, followed by Prof. Sagarika Dilpushpi Kannangara, Prof. Anusha Edirisinghe and Prof. Anuruddhi Edirisinghe. Prof. Sulochani Ramanayake currently serves as Acting Director.

Looking ahead, CGSUK remains committed to strengthening gender studies, research, education, public engagement and institutional mechanisms for gender equality. The Centre has identified the introduction of a Higher Diploma in Gender Studies as one of its future priorities.

The 15th Anniversary thus marked both a celebration of the Centre's achievements and a renewed commitment to advancing equitable, inclusive and gender-responsive universities and society in Sri Lanka.