Three-day exhibition on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)

The Centre for Gender Studies (CGSUK), University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES) and the United Nations Development Programmer (UNDP) Sri Lanka, successfully conducted a three-day exhibition on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) from 12th to 14th January 2026 at the Art Gallery, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya.

The exhibition was open to all members of the university community and aimed to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and strengthen institutional responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence within university settings and public spaces.

The opening ceremony, held on 12th January 2026, was graced by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, who presided as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Professor M. M. Gunatilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Dr Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, along with distinguished representatives from partner institutions, including Ms Sushmitha Thayanandan from UNDP Sri Lanka and Ms Radhika Hettiarachchi from the International Centre for Ethnic Studies.

Members of the Advisory Board and Steering Committee of the Centre for Gender Studies, including Prof. Priyangani Senanayake, Dr Damayanthi Edirisinghe, Dr Amila Jeewandara, Dr Kumudu Sumedha, Senior Lecturer Diwanka Randunu Podduwage, and Dr Sulochani Ramanayake, Deputy Director of CGS, were present at the event. The programme was coordinated by Ms Harshani Karunanayake, Coordinator, Centre for Gender Studies. Academic, non-academic, temporary staff and undergraduate students from the University of Kelaniya, as well as participants from other government and non-government universities, also took part in the programme.

As part of the three-day initiative, a panel discussion titled ‘Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and University Regulations’ was conducted, focusing on policy frameworks, reporting mechanisms, and institutional responsibilities. The panel featured Prof. Prabha Manuratne, Director of the Centre for Gender Equity and Equality at the University Grants Commission; Ms Radhika Hettiarachchi, Researcher and Curator at ICES; and Dr Sulochani Ramanayake, Deputy Director of CGS, and was moderated by Senior Lecturer Samanthika Priyadarshani, Faculty representative – Social Sciences, Centre for Gender Studies.

In addition, a Body Mapping Workshop, based on art-based methodologies, was conducted to provide a safe and reflective space for participants to explore personal experiences of SGBV, including incidents of “bad touch” encountered within university environments and public spaces. The workshop highlighted the value of participatory and survivor-centred approaches in addressing sensitive social issues. Resource persons included Ms Radhika Hettiarachchi from the International Centre for Ethnic Studies and Dr K. N. R. Harshani Director, Kalana Mithuru Sewana, University of Kelaniya.