In a new move, the 4th International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) conference took two divisions as parallel symposia, on Reconciliation and on Pali.
The IRCHSS was held at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura on 3rd December 2015. It was organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and featured both local and international researchers. This year’s theme was “Today’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Reality: Success through Synergy”. The inauguration ceremony took place with the Chancellor of the university, Ven.Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero as chief guest and Prof.Vinnie Vitharana as guest of honour. Taking the contemporary social issues on reconciliation into consideration, Ven.Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero in his address, stated that reconciliation should be for people in all walks of life and academics play a major role in taking them among the public.
Among other distinguished guests were, Vice Chancellor Prof.Sampath Amaratunge, Emeritus Prof.Wimal G.Balagalle, Prof.Rowland S.Laura of the University of Newcastle – Australia,Ven.Khammai Dhammasami, Mr.Lasantha Nawaratne – Dean , Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr.Chamalie Nahallage – Conference Chair and Ven.Dr.M.Vijithadhamma – Conference Secretary. A large number of local and foreign members of Buddhist clergy attended the conference, which was a significant addition to the IRCHSS. The keynote speech was delivered by Prof.Rowland S.Laura who brought forth interesting facts on human communication and quality of life in an age where machines have started to dominate the society.
Two guest speakers, Prof.Rajiva Wijesinghe and Prof.T.Thanaraj, also participated at the symposium on reconciliation. A considerable number of research papers were discussed at the Technical sessions during the afternoon, where academics shared knowledge on a variety of subjects relating to the fields of humanities and social sciences.
The conference lasted the entire day and was concluded with the award ceremony and a cultural show.
